So the doughty Ian Paisley is to retire after decades of political leadership and steadfastly standing up for the Scriptures.A true 'hate figure' for the left, he was an outstanding preacher and I know because I was there at Handsworth Full Gospel Church when he had a preaching engagement back in the 80s.
I did a taped interview with him that night and found him a fascinating man.
Contrary to the media presentation, he was clearly somebody who just oozed compassion for his fellow man - and YES - this most emphatically included Roman Catholics! Even Shirley Williams, in a fairminded moment, praised him in the Commons for his efforts to help his catholic constituents.
It struck me that night how easy it is for the media monkeys to take extracts out of context and use them against somebody whose character they wish to diminish.
Ian Paisley has been victimised for berating the IRA, for criticising sellouts to the Roman Church and his refusal to compromise on the Christian Faith. In recent times, some Orange Order extremists have also attacked him for trying to bring peace to N. Ireland.
Little wonder then, that he attracts so much bile all round!
On top of all this, he has been a true character.
