By IRNA
London : Deputy leader of the Democratic Unionists (DUP) Peter Robinson is strong favorite to take over from Northern Ireland’s First Minister Ian Paisley following the sudden announcement by the veteran 81-year old politician of his retirement.
Paisley, who only became First Minister last May, announced on Tuesday that he would also be stepping down as the leader of the DUP, which he founded 37 years ago.
He told Ulster Television that that he came to the decision “a few weeks ago” to step down after an international investment conference in Belfast in May. “It would be a very appropriate time for me to bow out,” he said.
The staunch pro-British politician originally opposed the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, but in a sudden reversal last year, decided to join his arch-enemies, Sinn Fein, in restoring Northern Ireland’s power-sharing government.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown praised Paisley’s “huge contribution to political life in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom.”
“Progress on bringing a lasting peace to Northern Ireland would not have been possible without his immense courage and leadership,” Brown said.
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams also extended his best wishes to his former main adversary, commending him for his crucial role in forging the agreement with his Irish republican party that led to the restoration of devolution.
Robinson, aged 59, is seen as a natural successor to Paisley, joining the DUP when it was established and becoming deputy leader in 1980.
Last year, he took the post of Minster for Finance and Personnel when the power-sharing executive was restored after a five-year suspension.
Paisley, whose DUP is now the largest in Northern Ireland, has dominated local politics as a fiery ideologue, establishing his own Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster.
He said he would remain as an elected MP in the British Parliament and as a member of Northern Ireland’s Assembly. He was also a member of the European Parliament until he stepped down in 2004.