McGuinness applauds Paisley off stage
Wednesday, 05 Mar 2008 11:38
Ireland's deputy first minister Martin McGuinness has praised Ian Paisley's "decisive authority" following yesterday's announcement of his retirement.
Mr Paisley said he would step down as Northern Ireland's first minister in May, and would also resign his position as head of the Democratic Unionist Party – the group he founded some 37 years ago.
The news was greeted warmly by Mr McGuinness, who said he would remember his one time adversary "fondly".
"I will look fondly on the relationship I had with Ian Paisley over the course of the last ten months," Mr McGuinness said on the BBC's Newsnight programme.
"I think he and I and others have been part of probably the most important political breakthrough seen in the history of the island of Ireland."
The pair were long time adversaries but put their difficulties behind them – even becoming known as the 'chuckle brothers' - and agreeing to share power in Northern Ireland during 2007 – an administration which has thus far lasted ten months.
This was only made possible in part by Mr Paisley, according to the former IRA leader.
"I think Ian Paisley was probably the only unionist leader who could have led unionism with such a decisive authority as he did do. He deserves credit for that," concluded Mr McGuinness.