Ian Paisley ends Westminster career
By politics.co.uk staff
DUP North Antrim MP Ian Paisley will end a 40 year stint in Westminster when he steps down at the general election.
The controversial figure confirmed to his local newspaper he would not be standing in the election, meaning he joins the small army of MPs standing down in a couple of months time.
Mr Paisley’s son, Ian Paisley Jr, is expected to face TUV leader Jim Allister in the constituency, which his father has held since 1970.
The announcement did not surprise most observers, who expected Mr Paisley to retire as an MP once he confirmed he would no longer be DUP leader in 2008.
He turns 84 next month.
