Paisley’s historic opportunity

ANYONE who has had an association with Dr Ian Paisley will readily acknowledge his incredible energy.

At the age of 80, he demonstrates the drive, commitment and grasp of many people decades younger.

In this respect he may remind some people of the German Chancellor, Konrad Adeneuer, Mayor of Cologne in 1917 and Chancellor of Germany at the age of 90.

Hospital personnel can recall visits by Dr Paisley to any number of his constituents.

This could take place at any hour and regardless of whether the previous day had been spent in Strasbourg, Westminster or Stormont or, indeed, in any combination of these.

In addition, there would also be constituency meetings with both political supporters and opponents in order to deal with matters of concern to them.

Having had the opportunity of observing the positive effect which Dr Paisley had on an ill patient whom he visited so early that the morning ward round had not taken place, it was apparent he had the ability to provide the degree of encouragement which could lead to a positive attitude conducive to recovery.

So it seems strange that a person with such positive potential for leadership and healing seems so unwilling to use this potential to lead his people out of the laager which they have built around themselves as a protection against Irish bogeymen and which has drawn them into a political cul-de-sac.

Yet, with the talent for leadership which he undoubtedly has, it should be well within his remaining powers to resolve our very long-standing and recurring conflict once and for all and, in doing so, to ensure the people of Ulster together would place a very significant stamp on the building of a truly new Ireland for us all to enjoy in a future of assured peace and prosperity.

Ireland, as a small united nation, could well act as a much needed honest broker with a significant role to play in bringing justice and stability to a troubled world.

It is 35 years since the question was first asked as to where we might find a leader with the charisma to take up the challenge.

The person in mind then is the same person today.

What, in recent years, has passed for political exchange at Stormont is disgraceful and, as a result, we are once again facing the challenge of solving our long-standing and regularly recurring historical dilemma.

Dr Paisley has the ability to change all this for the future of Ireland in general and Ulster in particular — but will he?

A very significant volte-face would be involved.

Yet this could well have an effect on Dr Paisley’s traditional opponents similar to that which the IRA ceasefire of 1994 had on many unionists. The prevailing political wind would certainly be taken out of their sails.

It would also assure a destiny for his own people that would endure in the mind of the people of Ireland in the generations to come and thus pass on to them a sense of security and hope not only for remaining in their homeland but also of coming back to it.

And after he has retired from public life, he would not have to observe anyone of his successors seizing the historic mantle which might have been his... a truly peaceful new Ireland in our time.

John Robb

59 Hopefield Ave

Portrush

Co Antrim