Lisburn represented at Lord Bannside Memorial Service

Sunday’s event was a service for those wishing to pay their respects as Mr Paisley’s funeral was held privately last month.

Mr Poots said: “I was honoured to join the Paisley family for the memorial service for Lord Bannside.

“It was a very fitting tribute to a man who was dearly loved by his family, also by large sections of the community.

“The service focused heavily on his role in the family and preacher of the gospel more than his political endeavours. It was great to see such a wide range of the community present to mark their respects and many spoke of how he had impacted their lives at a personal level.”

Mr Poots said that Mr Paisley’s passing makes him “more determined to continue the work he started in delivering devolved Government”.

“Northern Ireland has benefitted from the move away from violence, and while it is far from perfect, much more can be achieved. Accountable local Government is the legacy he left and it is up to us as recipients of that legacy to make it work,” he said.

Mr Poots added: “At a personal level he was a very kind, considerate, caring man, extremely jocular with a real passion for spreading the Gospel, his presence will be missed, but he left an indelible mark on this country that will be remembered for many generations to come.”

Councillor Luke Poots, son of Edwin, also attended the service. He said: “It was a privilege to attend. Mr Paisley was a good family friend - as are all the Paisleys.

“Dad grew up with his children and I grew up with Ian Paisley Junior’s children and we are still friendly.

“It was a very touching service and focused on the family man and preacher rather than politics.”

A host of dignitaries were joined by ordinary Free Presbyterians and individuals whose paths had crossed with that of ‘The Big Man’ during his 88-year-old life.

The service was attended by the Secretary of State, Theresa Villiers.

Also present was Scotland’s outgoing nationalist First Minister Alex Salmond, House of Commons Speaker John Bercow and former Secretary of State Paul Murphy.

Dr Paisley’s close friend the Rev David McIlveen paid heartfelt tribute to the Free Presbyterian Church’s founder, while three other veteran Free Presbyterian ministers were involved — Baroness Paisley’s brother, the Rev James Beggs, who prayed, and the Rev John Douglas who read the Scripture reading.