Who Is Ian Paisley? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ian Paisley was born on April 6, 1926, and passed away on September 12, 2014. Even in 2025, his legacy endures as one of the most controversial yet impactful figures in Northern Irish history. A Protestant evangelical minister and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), Paisley was known for his fiery sermons and staunch political views, which significantly shaped the political landscape of Northern Ireland during the latter part of the 20th century.
| Occupation | Religious Leader |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 6, 1926 |
| Age | 99 Years |
| Birth Place | N/A |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country |
Popularity
Ian Paisley's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific physical statistics such as height and weight are generally less documented for historical figures, it is believed that Ian Paisley was of average height for his time. Given the nature of his public persona, much of his recognition derived from his oratory skills and forthright personality rather than specific physical traits.
Paisley promoted a highly conservative form of Biblical literalism and anti-Catholicism, which he described as "Bible Protestantism".
The website of Paisley's public relations arm, the European Institute of Protestant Studies, describes the institute's purpose as to "expound the Bible, expose the Papacy, and to promote, defend and maintain Bible Protestantism in Europe and further afield." Paisley's website describes a number of doctrinal areas in which he believes that the "Roma
n church" (which he termed 'Popery') has deviated from the Bible and thus from true Christianity.
Over the years, Paisley would write numerous books and pamphlets on his religious and political views, including a commentary on the Epistle to the Romans. Paisley set up his own newspaper in February 1966, the Protestant Telegraph, as a mechanism for further spreading his message.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ian Paisley was married to Eileen Paisley for over 58 years until his death. Their family included three children—two sons and a daughter—who have continued to engage in various public and political spheres. As a devoted family man, Paisley often spoke about the importance of family values and faith.
Paisley married Eileen Cassells on 13 October 1956. They had five children, daughters Sharon, Rhonda and Cherith and twin sons, Kyle and Ian. Three of their children followed their father into politics or religion: Kyle is a Free Presbyterian minister; Ian was a DUP MP; and Rhonda, a retired DUP councillor. He had a brother, Harold, who is also an evangelical fundamentalist.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Ian Paisley's estimated net worth was around £2 million. His income primarily stemmed from his political career, preaching engagements, and various investments. Given his significant role in politics and religion, it’s safe to assume that he earned a substantial salary from his positions within the DUP and other organizations.
Career, Business and Investments
Ian Paisley’s career was marked by his dual role as a political leader and a religious figure. He founded the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in 1971. Throughout his career, he passionately advocated for Protestant unionist beliefs and played a pivotal role in various critical political events, including the peace process in Northern Ireland. Post-retirement, he continued to be an influential figure, even having served as the First Minister of Northern Ireland from 2007 to 2008, during which he worked towards ensuring stability in a divided region.
From the 1960s, one of his main rivals was civil rights leader and co-founder of the nationalist Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), John Hume. British Government papers, released in 2002, show that in 1971 Paisley attempted to reach a compromise with the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP).
The attempt was made via then British Cabinet Secretary, Sir Burke Trend.
The papers show that Paisley had indicated he could "reach an accommodation with leaders of the Catholic minority, which would provide the basis of a new government in Stormont." It appears that the move was rejected once it became clear to the SDLP that it would have created a very one-sided alliance.
Speaking about the deal in 2002 Paisley said: The SDLP did not want to go along the road that we would have wanted them to go. I wouldn't say there were talks, there was an exchange of views between us, but it never got anywhere.
We were prepared to try and seek a way whereby we could govern Northern Ireland and that people of both faiths could be happy with the way it was being governed, but it all rested on the key point – the person with power would be the person that the people gave the power.
Social Network
Although Ian Paisley is no longer with us, his legacy is remembered on various social platforms through pages and groups that discuss Ulster history and politics. His family members and political colleagues often share insights and memories, keeping his ideals and contributions alive in digital conversations.
In 2005, Paisley's DUP became the largest unionist party in Northern Ireland, displacing the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), which had dominated unionist politics since 1905 and had been an instrumental party in the Good Friday Agreement.
In 2007, following the St Andrews Agreement, the DUP finally agreed to share power with republican party Sinn Féin. Paisley and Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness became First Minister and deputy First Minister, respectively, in May 2007. He stepped down as First Minister and DUP leader in mid-2008, and left politics in 2011.
Paisley was made a life peer in 2010 as Baron Bannside.
Education
Ian Paisley was educated at the Royal Holloway College in London, where he studied for a degree in Theology. His education greatly influenced his fiery preaching style and political rhetoric. The combination of his knowledge and personal convictions helped him develop into one of the most compelling church leaders and politicians of his time.
In conclusion, Ian Paisley's legacy continues to be a topic of conversation and study in 2025. His life story is one of both significant accomplishments and controversies, making him a central figure in the history of Northern Ireland.
In February 2012, Paisley was admitted to hospital with heart problems. Jim Flanagan, editor of the Ballymena Guardian, who spoke to close family friends, said that Paisley had been able to communicate "to some degree" with family members. A year before, he had had a pacemaker fitted due to cardiac arrhythmia, during his time in the House of Lords.
In late December 2013, Paisley was once again taken to hospital for "necessary tests". Ian Paisley Jr. emphasised that they were routine.
