DUP Family loses its Father
Last week's announcement that Ian Paisley (the original) is to retire came just two weeks after Ian Junior (the young pretender) handed in his resignation from the office of Junior Minister. Many had predicted this turn of events in light of the lost credibility of his son and as a result of the increasingly uncomfortable 'chuckle-brother' partnership formed with Martin McGuinness.Eighty-two next month, the larger than life politician will no doubt be the subject of various documentaries charting his rise to prominence within Northern Irish and indeed UK politics. Despite the phenomenal change in policy in the past 12 months, most followers have refused to do anything but praise 'the Doc'.
The BBC, interested in the student point of view, interviewed a group of Queen's students on The Politics Show earlier today. Among them, Andrew Charles and Thomas Hogg spoke of the DUP as a "family party which every new member is welcomed into". Although certainly "different" after Paisley's departure, these young Unionists hope the party will continue to thrive and "serve the Unionist community" to the best of its ability.
So, the ultimate 'Never say "Never...Never...Never...Never"' man's reign is coming to an end. Will there ever be another like him? Is he deserving of the praise he has received from all corners of politics? Or is this giant of Unionism simply a sell-out, having succumbed to the trappings of power?
posted by Gown Team at
12:59 pm
32 Comments:
Paisley is a legend we love you Dr. P!!!
Good to see political shows taking account of the views of students.
I must admit I am sad to see The Big man go. However as the saying goes "it takes a great man to acomplish that which he sets out to do, it takes a greater man to bow out when he has acomplished".
At least him retiring after 10 months in the job has put to bed the idea that he went into government for the money, power or prestige.
Love him or loath him you couldn't miss him!!
As a nationalist I admire the leadership he gave to his people. Something I think is lacking in the moderate nationalist community.
With the Paisley's departure and the inevitable marjinalisation of the more Free P element the party is in a good opportunity to win over voters from the UUP.
Does anyone know what the religious denominational make up is of the current Queen's DUP?
He always caught the cameras at Fresher's day anyway!
I think Free Presbyterianism is dead now though.
In fairness to Doctor Paisley he always has time for young people, a thing to be admired, a lot of politicians brush young people off... that is until election time.
From a Christian perspective, whether Free Presbyterianism is dead or lives, depends not upon who they have as leader but if God is there or not.
Although I was pleased with his 51 year moderatorship of the church
The only thing Paisley has ever sold out are the tickets to hear him speak.
Paisley is our Man! He keeps Ulster safe!
Moderate Nationalist- "Does anyone know what the religious denominational make up is of the current Queen's DUP?"
All protestant perhaps? Just maybe.........
Decent People Vote Ulster Unionist!
The only thing Paisley keeps safe in Ulster are the jobs for 'the boy'(s)!
"The only thing Paisley keeps safe in Ulster are the jobs for 'the boy'(s)!"
Well unless you're Eddie Hanna offcourse.
I heard there was a Jew in the DUA! Is this true?????!!!!!!
Katie - you heard right!!! Word on the street is that Grandmaster T.W.Hogg is actually a Jew. These reports were confirmed when he was spotted at a local synagogue with other DUP members. Nothing short of a conspiracy.
The DUA has been infiltrated by Jews, Roman Catholics, Communists and most recently by Mark Durkan (sporting a fake beard and a rather fetching hat). So I hear.
Protestant isn't a denomination Simo anymore than the Premiership is a football team lol.
Paisley is certainly one of the greatest Unionists that there has ever been. he can rejoice in his record as Leader of the DUP and First Minister.
Katie...AKA Hitler!
How I wish comments weren't screened so I could express my true feelings about my fellow gown blog users. Needless to say I don't admire the new student exec. I imagine their meetings will consist of a big, eco-friendly, non-discriminatory group hug, followed by fairtrade coffee and healthy oatmeal biscuits.
**Vomits over keyboard at the very thought**
Think it was wise of the DUP to get rid of him.
Never have been a Paisley fan. We need a more secular political establishment.
Could be worse, you could be Jim Allister. What is he going to have to complain about now??
oh jesus...jim allister makes me want to vomit!!!!!!!!!!!!
He should be banned from Northern Irish politics.
Actually...do you know what, considering he seems to be such a true Brit, why doesn't he f**k off home to England?
When is Philip Allister going to start a TUV branch at Queen's??
Moderate nationalist - no need to offend people mate, no need to bring Jesus into your Allister-bashing rant.
Jesus would agree with me.
Jesus is a fictional character, he would agree with whoever penned him!
I often wonder how moderate and how nationalist "moderate nationalist" is lol.
you OFTEN wonder?
I'm flattered that you think of me so much!
Are you a hot male? Wanna hook up?
No thanks, I'm straight!
LISTEN TO ME!!!!!!!
I'm a tall blonde female English student who is only stating my views on various issues on this blog.
Why are you INSISTING on this continued guessing game/barrage of accusation towards me?
I AM NOT ON THE EXECUTIVE NOR AM I A SUDENT COUNCILLOR.
"When is Philip Allister going to start a TUV branch at Queen's??"
Who cares, he is as irrelevant as all the other wannabee MLAs in waiting unionists around Queens
Mod. Nationalist
is actually a prod
Pretending to be a Mod.
We know his gender,
Male.
We know his residence,
From C.O. Fermanagh.
We know his subjects,
History and Politics.
We know his standing,
SU Concillor.
We know his type,
A liar.
We Know his height,
5,6.
Guess who????
Moderate Nationalist would have to be thomas hog. Who else could be as vindictive, arrogant or stupid enough to think that anyone would fall for his false name?
christ on a bike!
I am NOT Thomas Hogg. If I was Thomas Hogg, then why would I slag myself off? I would be writing things like "oh, isn't Thomas Hogg a lovely little fellow?" etc etc etc.
aaaaaaaargh.
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