Former Northern Irish leader Ian Paisley dies aged 88

LONDON: Former Northern Irish first minister Ian Paisley, the firebrand Protestant leader who struck a power-sharing deal with former foes Sinn Fein, died on Friday at the age of 88.

A towering figure during the Troubles in Northern Ireland who was known for his decades of intransigence and impassioned rhetoric, Paisley had been ill for some time.

"My beloved husband, Ian, entered his eternal rest this morning," his wife Eileen said on behalf of the family.

"Although ours is the grand hope of reunion, naturally as a family we are heartbroken," she said.

"We loved him and he adored us, and our earthly lives are forever changed."Paisley did what even he he once considered unthinkable in May 2007 and entered office with Sinn Fein -- the political wing of the now-defunct Irish Republican Army paramilitary group -- restoring stable, devolved government to the British province.

In a feat few could match, the pro-British preacher co-founded both a church and a political party, leading the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster and the Protestant, conservative Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

Paisley´s widow said his funeral would be private and attended only by his immediate family, as would be his burial, in accordance with his wishes.

A memorial service will be held later this year.