Difference between revisions of "Ian Paisley"
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He is the founder and head of the [[fundamentalism|fundamentalist]] [[Free Presbyterian Church]] and the head of the [[Democratic Unionist Party]]. He is a [[creationism|creationist]], strongly anti-[[abortion]] and supports the criminalisation of [[homosexuality]]. | He is the founder and head of the [[fundamentalism|fundamentalist]] [[Free Presbyterian Church]] and the head of the [[Democratic Unionist Party]]. He is a [[creationism|creationist]], strongly anti-[[abortion]] and supports the criminalisation of [[homosexuality]]. | ||
| − | Strongly anti-Catholic, his long career has included a number of controversial incidents, including an attempted assault on [[Pope John XXIII]], the | + | Strongly anti-Catholic, his long career has included a number of controversial incidents, including an attempted assault on [[Pope John XXIII]], and has been accused of inciting hatred and violence against Catholics. Paisley has also threatened on multiple occasions to organize a paramilitary force to prevent what he perceived as inappropriate interference by the Republic of Ireland in the governance of Northern Ireland. While accusations have been made as to his involvement with multiple terrorist groups, no evidence directly supporting these accusations has come to light. |
He and his party have been instrumental in delaying the [[Northern Ireland Peace Process]], and remain committed to its final destruction. However in spite of his opposition, [[terrorism|terrorist]] activities other than Loyalist outrages have now almost entirely ceased in the province and the [[IRA]] has largely disarmed. It has been speculated that the main reason that he was not [[assassination|assassinated]] during the long conflict, was that his extremist views and behaviour actually generated such substantial support for his opponents that his death would have been counter-productive to their cause. | He and his party have been instrumental in delaying the [[Northern Ireland Peace Process]], and remain committed to its final destruction. However in spite of his opposition, [[terrorism|terrorist]] activities other than Loyalist outrages have now almost entirely ceased in the province and the [[IRA]] has largely disarmed. It has been speculated that the main reason that he was not [[assassination|assassinated]] during the long conflict, was that his extremist views and behaviour actually generated such substantial support for his opponents that his death would have been counter-productive to their cause. | ||
Revision as of 18:00, May 1, 2007
Dr. the Reverend Ian Richard Kyle Paisley MP, MLA (born April 6, 1926) is a Northern Irish politician and religious leader. Paisley uses the title "Doctor" on the basis of an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree awarded by Bob Jones University.
He is the founder and head of the fundamentalist Free Presbyterian Church and the head of the Democratic Unionist Party. He is a creationist, strongly anti-abortion and supports the criminalisation of homosexuality.
Strongly anti-Catholic, his long career has included a number of controversial incidents, including an attempted assault on Pope John XXIII, and has been accused of inciting hatred and violence against Catholics. Paisley has also threatened on multiple occasions to organize a paramilitary force to prevent what he perceived as inappropriate interference by the Republic of Ireland in the governance of Northern Ireland. While accusations have been made as to his involvement with multiple terrorist groups, no evidence directly supporting these accusations has come to light.
He and his party have been instrumental in delaying the Northern Ireland Peace Process, and remain committed to its final destruction. However in spite of his opposition, terrorist activities other than Loyalist outrages have now almost entirely ceased in the province and the IRA has largely disarmed. It has been speculated that the main reason that he was not assassinated during the long conflict, was that his extremist views and behaviour actually generated such substantial support for his opponents that his death would have been counter-productive to their cause.
He is a lifelong teetotaler and is known to frown upon dancing.