Swagger, hubris and greed of Ian Paisley Jr led to biblical fall and end of family’s political dynasty in North Antrim

Kept from centre of power by the party his father founded, the DUP MP could no longer trade on his father’s name

Ian Paisley Jr speaks after losing North Antrim seat

Sam McBride

When Ian Paisley Jr was eight, he declared: “What this country needs is a dictator, and I’m the man to do it.” For the last 14 years, his position as MP for North Antrim was more secure than that of some autocrats.

Until now, his vote could have been weighed rather than counted. But even dictators pass from time; last Thursday, Paisley’s political mortality was determined.