Former Northern Ireland leader Dr Ian Paisley dies

Dr Ian Paisley, who has died, his wife Eileen said today. Pic: Paul Faith/PA WireDr Ian Paisley, who has died, his wife Eileen said today. Pic: Paul Faith/PA Wire
Dr Ian Paisley, who has died, his wife Eileen said today. Pic: Paul Faith/PA Wire
Former Democratic Unionist Party leader Dr Ian Paisley has died, his wife Eileen said today.

Eileen Paisley said the family was heartbroken.

Dr Paisley was a firebrand fundamentalist Protestant preacher and politician who led opposition to compromise with the IRA for decades in Northern Ireland.

He became a peacemaker when he entered government with Sinn Fein at Stormont as first minister following a landmark deal.

He has been ill for some time.