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Paisley fights for life

Thursday, 9 February 2012

“He is in the hands of his beloved saviour - there is no safer place” Baroness Paisley.

FAMILY of the former North Antrim MP Reverend Ian Paisley have gathered at his bedside as fears grow that his situation has become critical.
The 85 year old former DUP leader and First Minister was rushed to the A&E unit of the Ulster Hospital at Dundonald on Sunday and was moved to the intensive care unit yesterday (Monday).
Made Lord Bannside in 2010, he has suffered from heart problems for a number of years and was fitted with a pacemaker a year ago.
Large numbers of media have gathered outside the hospital.
A statement released on behalf of his wife Baroness Paisley said: "She requests that the family's privacy be respected at this difficult time."
Over the last number of years Dr Paisley has stepped down from his various political offices and his position as Moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church. Less than two weeks ago on Friday January 27 this giant of Ulster politics and religion preached his final sermon to an estimated 3000 people at the Martyrs Memorial Church on the Ravenhill Road, bringing to an end over six decades of ministry.
Dr Paisley is very highly esteemed in the Hebron Free Presbyterian Church in Ballymoney and 150 members attended this farewell service.
Minister of Hebron Reverend Parke, who has been in contact with Baroness Paisley said: "We have been praying for him both in our own family and in our church family. I have known Dr Paisley for many years right back since the 1970s. We prayed for him at a meeting last night. I texted Baroness Paisley to tell her that we were praying for her and for Dr Paisley. She texted me back saying: 'He is in the hands of his beloved saviour, there is no safer place.' and asked us for our prayers. The Lord was with him and his family at this time of need and I wish him a speedy recovery."
North Antrim MLA Mervyn Storey who has also known Dr Paisley since the MLA was a child said: "Whenever Mrs Paisley says that it is a difficult time for the family, I think that this indicates the seriousness of the situation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr Paisley and his family. There will only be one Ian Paisley. Dr Paisley was unique, Dr Paisley is unique. He is in the heart of all that is North Antrim. He is someone I have known all my life and he is someone I highly respect and admire.
“We as his DUP colleagues have respected the family's wish for privacy and it is important that they are given privacy. He led a very public life, but when it comes to this he is very seriously ill in hospital and this should be respected."
Mr Storey was at the recent farewell service. He said: "This was one of those nights to remember. It was more than a fitting tribute to the giant Ian Paisley was and still is! No one else will leave a legacy on both church and state like Ian Paisley. Dr Paisley ministered for 65 years - he wasn't just a big man he was a big person.
“I am so privileged to say that I knew Ian Paisley, it is a great privilege and I trust and pray that we will still have him around for some time to come."

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