麻豆约拍

I suppose it wasn鈥檛 really an enormous surprise when it was announced Ian Paisley had died at the age of 88 and yet, even though he has not been as active over the past few years, there is a very real sense that politics, and not just in Northern Ireland, will never be exactly the same for as the Prime Minister said he was one of the most forceful and instantly recognisable characters in British politics for nearly half a century.

To describe him as controversial would be something of an understatement for, whether you agreed with him or not, he certainly could never be ignored and he divided opinion enormously. But one of the things many who have been speaking about him have emphasised is that he was a man of contrasts. There was the person, always appearing to say no to political initiatives and sometimes using religious polemic that seemed to belong to earlier centuries but there was also the assiduous worker for his constituents of all religious persuasions. There was the orator- who commanded attention and the man with a broad sense of humour who showed great kindness to an amazing variety of people. His energy was prodigious- he was a member of Parliament, a member of the European Parliament and he still preached twice every Sunday in the congregation he established聽

I have little doubt that scholars and historians will spend much time and effort arguing over his impact and legacy but I think there can be little doubt that as the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh said yesterday, 鈥淭he legacy for which he will be most generously remembered will be his work in more recent years in progressing partnership government in the Executive of the Northern Ireland Assembly.鈥� Many would consider that only he could have done that.

Lord, as we reflect on the work and influence of Ian Paisley, we pray for those who will miss him most and especially his wife and family. Comfort them with the assurance of your love.聽 AMEN