‘Young Paisley’ departure stirs rumors on dad

DUBLIN — The resignation of Ian Paisley Jr. has prompted speculation that his octogenarian father, Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley Sr., will step down as well.

With his father at his side, the younger Mr. Paisley quit his post as junior minister last week over links to a real estate developer from whom he bought a house.

Known to locals as “Young Paisley,” he has not been cited for any crime nor has there been anything more than an implication of something inappropriate afoot.

Still, the scandal was enough to force him out of the Cabinet, although he will continue to serve in the national legislature.

The resignation cost Ian Paisley Sr., 82, the sprightly leader of Northern Ireland’s biggest pro-British political group — the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) — support of a trusted aide.

Moreover, party insiders say the son’s departure is seen as removing one obstacle to deposing the his father.

The effort consists mainly of a behind-the-scenes whispering campaign, in which the local press corps plays a key role.

Ian Paisley Sr. has avoided comment, but he couldn’t resist during a recent visit to Scotland when reporters kept firing questions.

“I have a fairly hard rhinoceros skin, and I think I will not be skinned by you or the likes of you,” he told reporters.

He retains plenty of support.

Ireland Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern said he should stay in his job as long as possible.

“I would personally like to see Dr. Paisley remain on,” Mr. Ahern said, according to the British Broadcasting Corp. “The DUP, like any other political party, has its own internal machinations. It is a robust party and will make its own decisions in due course.”

Not unexpectedly, Baroness Eileen Paisley came to her husband’s defense.

“He is doing a jolly good job,” she told the Belfast Telegraph newspaper. “His health is excellent, his mind is sharp, and his body is strong.”

Ian Paisley Sr. was a latecomer to Northern Ireland’s peace process.

Story Continues →