Ian Paisley’s TV thank you to Martin McGuinness for ‘remarkable journey’ welcomed by republicans

IAN PAISLEY’S thanks on BBC TV to former IRA leader and Sinn Féin outgoing deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has been welcomed by many leading republicans.

The Democratic Unionist Party MP and son of the late Dr Ian Paisley, the former DUP leader who was First Minister leading the DUP/Sinn Féin power-sharing government at Stormont, credited Martin McGuinness for a “remarkable journey”.

It is one, he said, that “has not only saved lives but made the lives of countless people better because of the partnership government we worked on and put together”.

● ‘The Chuckle Brothers’: Dr Ian Paisley Snr in power-sharing government with Martin McGuinness

Speaking on the BBC political programme, The View, on Thursday night, within hours of Martin McGuinness’s emotional declaration that he will not be contesting the Assembly election and will be stepping back from frontline politics because of his health, Ian Paisley surprised observers when he told host Mark Carruthers in relation to the Sinn Féin leader at Stormont:

“I want to say thank you.

“It is important that we actually do reflect on the fact that we would not be where we are in Northern Ireland, in terms of having stability, peace and the opportunity to rebuild our country were it not for the work he did put in, especially with my father at the beginning of this long journey.”

Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy told the programme that the late Rev Dr Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness were derided for the friendship they had that had earned them the nickname “The Chuckle Brothers” (which the pair gleefully embraced) “but people would like to see a few chuckles around Stormont today”, Conor Murphy said.

Ian Paisley agreed, saying:

“Perhaps if we got back to some of that foundation work of building a proper relationship we could get out of the mess we are currently in.

“I can say thank you honestly and humbly and recognise the remarkable journey Martin McGuinness went on has not only saved lives but has made the lives of countless people in Northern Ireland better because of the partnership government we worked on and put together.

“I wish him well in his retirement and hope he has time to get over his health issues and enjoy retirement time with his wife and family.”

The BBC Political Editor in the North, Mark Devenport, said of Ian Paisley’s “fulsome praise and thanks”:

“That really was a turn-up for the books.”

Raymond McCartney, former H-Blocks Hunger Striker and a Sinn Féin Assembly member for Foyle alongside Martin McGuinness, tweeted immediately:

“Never typed these words before: Well spoken, Ian Paisley Junior!”

● Foyle MLAs and comrades Martin McGuinness and Raymond McCartney

Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey tweeted:

“Fair play to Ian Paisley Jnr tonight and we dare to hope that others in political leadership roles seize the moment with grace and goodwill.”

Danny Morrison, author and commentator who was Sinn Féin’s head of publicity and communications in the 1970s and 1980s as well as a former Editor of An Phoblacht/Republican News, tweeted:

“Ian Paisley Jnr on The View extraordinary. Never heard such statesperson-like remarks before from him. Positive and encouraging and courageous.”

Broadcaster Eamonn Mallie said on Twitter that it was a “remarkable charitable tribute . . . to be read at many levels”.

Andersonstown News diarist ‘Squinter’ tweeted:

“Incredibly moving and brave contribution from Ian Paisley Jnr. Emotional. Gut-wrenching. Game-changing?”

We shall see.