TUV Leader offers condolences

Previously unissued photo dated 21/11/13 of former Democratic Unionist leader Ian Paisley, during a public event at Belfast City Hall, Mr .Paisley has been admitted to hospital for tests. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Sunday December 29, 2013. The party stalwart was treated for a heart condition last year and has been taken into the Ulster Hospital, near Belfast this weekend, a spokeswoman for the hospital said today. See PA story ULSTER Paisley. Photo credit should read: Paul Faith/PA Wire

Commenting on the former DUP Leader’s passing, Mr Allister said: “My immediate thoughts are with the bereaved family. On behalf of TUV and personally I extend condolences to his widow and children.

“Whatever my considerable differences with Ian Paisley and strong disapproval of his Stormont legacy of terrorists in government, it is right to acknowledge his many decades of public service to Northern Ireland. In his time he was a colossus in the life of Ulster, renowned parliamentarian and gifted preacher. We are unlikely to see his like again.”