Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Paisley to step down as Euro MP

David McKittrick
Monday 19 January 2004 20:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Rev Ian Paisley said yesterday that he would not stand again for the European Parliament.

Mr Paisley, 77, presented his European retirement as leaving him free to concentrate on the review of the Good Friday Agreement which, it was announced yesterday, will begin on 3 February. Mr Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) will not talk to Sinn Fein during the review but it will meet Bertie Ahern, the Taoiseach.

Mr Paisley said: "We are serious about these talks. Because of this I am not running away from Europe. I'm going to finish my course there but I am not going back to Europe. I am going to be here. I am going to be in every one of these talks. Bertie Ahern will get away with nothing."

Mr Paisley remains DUP leader, a Westminster MP and a member of the suspended Assembly, as well as heading his Free Presbyterian Church. He has said he is not suffering from ill health.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in