Paisleys thankful for support 'avalanche'

The 85-year-old former DUP leader and First Minister of Northern Ireland was admitted to the intensive care ward of the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald on Sunday.

He is continuing to receive treatment after suffering heart problems.

Lord Bannside's family, who remain by his bedside, have not commented on his condition - a statement from Baroness Paisley on Monday requested "the family's privacy be respected at this difficult time".

Rev Ron Johnstone, who is moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church which Ian Paisley founded, spoke to UTV after spending the evening with the family.

He said they want to pass on their thankfulness of an outpouring of public support.

"I have just rushed from the hospital to get here, I was with the family who say they are very appreciative of all the messages they have received from around the country and overseas," Ron Johnstone said.

"The word Ian Paisley Junior used was an 'avalanche' of texts and messages and they do appreciate the love and concern."

The reverend added that he must respect the family's wishes in not divulging further information on Mr Paisley's condition, but said the church is praying for his wellbeing.

He said: "There have been many special prayer meetings because we look on Ian Paisley as a father figure. We affectionately call him 'the big man' because not only is he big physically but he has a big heart, and I know the many thousands of bedsides he has sat beside over the years.

"Now our members are joining together in praying for him."

Ian Paisley became NI's First Minister when he was elected into power alongside Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness in 2007.

A statement from the Office of First and deputy First Minister revealed Peter Robinson and Mr McGuinness have both been in contact with the Paisley family.

It continued: "The First Minister and the deputy First Minister have offered their best wishes to Dr Paisley and his family and call on the community to give prayerful support to Ian and his family at this time."

Mr Paisley stepped down from political life in 2010. Last December, he preached his final sermon after standing down as moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church.

In an interview with UTV at the time, he said of his ministry: "I would say the average of a man that has good health should do about 25-30 years, but I have doubled that so I have done very well!"

Asked whether he felt his mantle as a politician or a churchman has been the most important, Rev Paisley said he wished to be remembered as a "gospel man".

He said: "Oh by long and far the gospel man. Really the fact that I was in politics came as a result of the faith that I preached."

After retiring from both church and political life, he said he planned to write his autobiography.