Politicians have been paying tribute to Ian Paisley Snr who has announced today that he will not be seeking re-election in the forthcoming General Election.
The 83-year-old former founder and leader of the DUP, and First Minister is to relinquish the North Antrim seat that he first won in 1970.
His decision to step down could give way for his son, Ian Paisley Junior, to stand as the party's candidate in the constituency.
The Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward has described him as a giant figure in politics.