Ian Paisley has died

[TakeMeUpTheNorthMountain]

Just saw this on the news. 88 years old.

[Isitmebut]

Being a little Englander I had no clear political view, but I do remember his booming, passionate voice, making blood and thunder type speeches on the news.

We didn’t have many TV channels back then, so had to get our viewing jollies where we could, so it always raised an (ignorant) smile when he was concerned about ‘the Bogside’.

Seeing that side of him, I could never imagine the family man, but I hear he was and will be sorely missed. Unlike his life and those times, may he finally rest in Irish peace.

[saoirse31]

Have no problem with him resting in peace, I hope he does but imo he was an absolute bigot whose bigoted speeches encouraged others to violence while he ensured he never risked any harm or consequences to himself.

[JanineStHubbins]

Yep, if there ever was a single person responsible for the outbreak of the Troubles, it was him.

Hateful, bigoted man with vile views.

[mymummademelistentoshitmusic]

Oh good, the world is a better place for that. Evil, hypocritical man of 'God'. Now dead scum.

[WildThong]

Charming views above

RIP

[mymummademelistentoshitmusic]

All far more charming than that evil scum Paisley.

[Nancy66]

Hey ho. never mind eh?

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

I'll admit, growing up in the seventies and watching news reports from NI, he used to frighten me to death with all that angry shouting and arm waving. I'm sure his family will miss him.

[Isitmebut]

And we wonder why the Shiites and Sunnis hate each other after centuries. lol

[Trooperslane]

Jesus Janine.

Over simplification much?

DH feels sad - apparently behind the scenes he was a decent man and supported his constituents irrespective of religion...

However......

I cannot mourn a man who was so full of hate towards me (female, catholic, atheist).

Rip. But only because I'd wish that for everyone, not because I wish he was still here.

[SnakeyMcBadass]

He always seemed terribly angry for a Christian. And not great at preaching love and understanding. Personally, I think when all of the 'personalities' who were so vocal and opposing during the Troubles have passed on, Northern Ireland will be able to progress in a more harmonious state

[JanineStHubbins]

No, I don't think it's an oversimplification, if you look closely at what actually happened in the 1960s in NI. Paisleyite counter demonstrations against civil rights marchers reduced O'Neill's space for moderate reform to virtually zero. Long before the PIRA came on the scene.

[sunnyrosegarden]

I grew up watching him on the news, and thought he was vile. Then, I met him in real life and he was the most charming, warm man. I can completely understand the mixed feelings on the radio/news today.

[saoirse31]

On catholics.. ' they breed like rabbits and multiply like vermin'... during his anti civil rights speeches.

A charming warm man alright.

[Flangeshrub]

The world is a slightly better place for it. Sorry for his family as I assume they loved him.

[JanineStHubbins]

I'm actually very familiar with both primary and secondary sources on this, Troopers, I don't need to google, with respect.

[Trooperslane]

Me too Janine.

I did read your post Incorrectly and have had my response deleted.

Belfast born and bred for me and can't help being sad for a family losing their father but glad for another bit of poison out of the world

Did be redeem himself by being mates with the Derry Wan?

Too late for me

[Trooperslane]

.....and to be vvv clear - I am as far away from pro IRA as it's possible to be.

[JanineStHubbins]

No worries Troopers

[KenDoddsDadsDog]

St Peter says NO

[AgaPanthers]

meh, he was old and retired anyway. Gerry Adams & Martin McGuinness not only still with us, but still in government.

[saoirse31]

Yeah... far better return to the good old days before civil rights when there'd be no way any of 'them' would have been in positions of power.

[AgaPanthers]

any of those murdering terrorists you mean?