Former Northern Ireland first minister Ian Paisley dies, aged 88

The Rev Ian Paisley, former leader of the Democratic Unionist party and the dominant Protestant politician of the Northern Ireland Troubles, died on Friday at the age of 88.

Politicians across the UK put aside memories of one of the most divisive figures in Northern Ireland's history to pay tribute to a man who eventually transformed his reputation from fire-breathing demagogue to elder statesman.

After he finally agreed to go into government with Sinn Fein in 2007 - he was the province's first minister in 2007 and 2008 - he and Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness, deputy first minister, astounded many by becoming such good friends they became known as the "chuckle brothers".

On Twitter, Mr McGuinness expressed regret and sadness at the death, saying: "I developed a close working relationship with him which developed into a friendship."

Later, he added: "Over a number of decades we were political opponents and held very different views on many, many issues, but the one thing we were absolutely united on was the principle that our people were better able to govern themselves than any British government.

"I want to pay tribute to and comment on the work he did in the latter days of his political life in building agreement and leading unionism into a new accommodation with republicans and nationalists."

Gerry Adams, the Sinn Fein leader - whom Paisley once called a "bloodthirsty monster" - said he was "shocked and saddened" to learn of his death.

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"According to Ian's wishes, his funeral will be private and attended only by the immediate family, as will be his burial.

"As a family we appreciate that there will be an expectation by those who admired him to express their gratitude for his life and their sorrow at his passing. To that end, we will in due course publish details of a public memorial service, which will be scheduled later in the year."

As tributes began to flow from political leaders on both sides of the Irish Sea, many caught the ambiguities of Paisley's personality and career. His booming voice, often ferocious expression and uncompromising Protestant fundamentalism - "Bible Protestantism", he called it - made him instantly recognisable.

Nigel Dodds, deputy leader of the DUP, described him as "the prince of preachers". But his charisma both fascinated and repelled audiences. "They breed like rabbits and multiply like vermin," he said of Roman Catholics at a loyalist rally in 1969.

Enda Kenny, the Irish taoiseach (prime minister) said: "In time, history will come to a fuller judgment of his long career. And while he was of course a divisive figure, his greatest legacy will be one of peace."

Tony Blair, the former UK prime minister who was in office at the time of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement on peace and power-sharing, said: "Ian was a man of deep convictions. . . He began as the militant. He ended as the peacemaker.

"He could be an uncompromising, even intransigent opponent. But he was also someone who loved Northern Ireland and its people. He led them, but he also followed them. When they said to him peace was thinkable, he made it possible."

Mr Blair added: "I don't suppose 40 years ago he would ever have thought that politically his life then would end as it does now. But I know he and Eileen would be very proud of his huge contribution to a peaceful future for Northern Ireland."

David Cameron said Paisley's decision to enter the power-sharing government "required great courage and leadership, for which everyone in these islands should be grateful".

Paisley's most redeeming quality was his sense of humour. Bertie Ahern, former Irish prime minister, said Paisley told him at their first meeting - over breakfast at the Irish embassy in London - that he was having a boiled egg "to be sure you can't poison me".

When John Hume, former leader of the moderate nationalist SDLP in Northern Ireland, said Paisley would be speechless if he could not use the word "no", he retorted: "No, I wouldn't!"

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