Ian Paisley
Wednesday, 05 Mar 2008 09:01
Ian Paisley to stand down as first minister
Ian Paisley has announced he will stand down as DUP leader and Northern Ireland first minister.
The 81-year-old loyalist firebrand announced last night he would leave both offices in May.
He will, however, remain an MP and member of the Northern Ireland assembly, prolonging his 40-year political career.
Although Mr Paisley refused to recommend a successor, it is expected finance minister Peter Robinson will take over as DUP leader.
His departure follows his son's resignation as junior minister to the Northern Ireland executive last month, following allegations of corruption.
Mr Paisley became first minister last May in a historic power sharing agreement with Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness as deputy first minister.
After years of famously saying "no," the protestant leader was praised for eventually working with Sinn Fein to bring devolved power to Northern Ireland.
News of his departure brought praise from across the political spectrum, including Tony Blair who has been credited with helping to secure peace in the province.
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