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Lifetime Achievement in Politics

Rt Hon Rev Ian Paisley

his long political career extending over 50 years and his major impact on the development of Northern Irish politics. Though long renowned for his unwavering commitment to Unionism and hard line position, latterly he played a significant role in the Irish peace process and from 2007 to 2008 he served as First Minister in Northern Ireland’s new power sharing government. As such Ian Paisley is an enduring reminder of the triumph of both personal conviction and principled compromise over violence and hatred.

Ian Paisley is a towering figure in the politics of Northern Ireland whose fierce espousal of unionist principles sits in balance with his vehement adherence to his faith. He has served as a member of parliament for nearly 40 years, sat in the European Parliament for a quarter of a century, and was Northern Ireland's First Minister from 2007 to 2008. He has been a Privy Councillor since 2006.