Member News
Former Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley will not seek re-election in the forthcoming general election, it has been announced.
Paisley has represented North Antrim in the House of Commons since the 1970 general election.
The 83-year old founder and former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party told his local newspaper it had been a privilege to represent the area but it was time for a new generation of politicians to build on his legacy.
At the last general election in 2005, Paisley polled 25,156 votes, giving him a majority of nearly 18,000.
He told the Ballymena Guardian: "I have no doubt the people of North Antrim will again support the DUP at the next election."
The decision to accept the position in 2007 of first minister alongside deputy first minister Martin McGuinness saw him hailed as a peacemaker by moderates but criticised by many former followers who accused him of betraying Ulster.
Paisley told the paper he had "no regrets" about deciding to share power with Sinn Fein.
He stood down as First Minister in 2008 and was replaced by his long-time DUP deputy leader, Peter Robinson.
The DUP are to officially select its Westminster candidate for the North Antrim seat next week.
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd