Paisley's Son Hits Out At Critics

The son of the late Ian Paisley has hit out at his father's critics, referring to them as "pygmies".

Writing in Tuesday's edition of the Ballymena Guardian, Ian Paisley Jr described how his father had been hurt by how some members in both his church and his political party had treated him. He added that his father had been taken for granted by many.

He is quoted as saying: "None of his detractors can take anything away from him. His critics appear as pygmies in his shadow.

"It is without doubt that Ian Paisley has ensured Ulster's place in the union."

He then referenced Edward Carson, a 20th Century unionist, talking about a friend who used him, explaining: "Dad, indeed all of us, were hurt by the way some in the church and in political life treated him – indeed, even took him for granted.

"I am often reminded of Lord Carson's speech [in] the House of Lords, about one of his erstwhile friends, when he recounted he had been 'used as a ladder, only to be kicked away at a convenient moment'.

"And indeed I know that many, who wouldn't even be in politics or the church today, stand accused of that."

However, he added: "But that is life and is the nature of people. Happily, our more previous and happier memories overshadow those darker moments."

Dr Ian Paisley, former First Minister, leader of the DUP and founder of the Free Presbyterian Church, died on Friday (12 September) at the age of 88. His funeral, which was strictly private, was held on Monday.

(JP/CD)