Ian Paisley to stand down as North Antrim MP

Thursday 04 March 10

 By Karen - Member of the Belfast WIMPS crew

Former First Minister and Former leader of the DUP, Ian Paisley, has told a local newspaper in his North Antrim constituency that he plans to step down as a Member of Parliament at the upcoming general election.

 
The 83 year Member of Parliament, who has been in House of Commons since 1970, confirmed to the “Ballymena Guardian” his intention not to run again for the North Antrim seat.
 
In the 2005 general election, Dr Paisley was elected with an 18,000 vote majority and its thought that his son, Ian Paisley Jr MLA, will be replacing his father as the DUP North Antrim Candidate.
 
Whoever will replace Dr Paisley will go against TUV leader Jim Allister, who plans to run for the North Antrim seat.
 
Do you think the TUV can win the seat? Or do you think the seat can still be won without Ian Paisley Senior by the DUP? Tell us on our forum.