A new BBC Northern Ireland series is set to profile the late Ian Paisley, charting his journey from firebrand preacher and one of the most divisive figures in Northern Ireland history to his unlikely partnership with Martin McGuinness.
The three-part series, The House of Paisley, follows the life of ‘Big Ian’ with insights from journalists past and present as well political allies and opponents.
Starting out with an entrenched opposition to progressive unionism in the 1960s to power-sharing with Sinn Féin in 2007, the series examines the intertwined role of faith and politics in shaping his outlook, personality and influence on Northern Ireland life.
The series also describes his role in establishing the Free Presbyterian Church in his mid-20s and the formation of the DUP, which he led from 1971-2008.
Presented through a variety of viewpoints, the programme promises an insight into the person behind the headlines, including from those close to him during key points in his life.
Presented as “a re-assessment of the former First Minister,” House of Paisley mixes archive footage and interviews to illustrate the life of a controversial figure who eventually found agreement with his enemy.
Produced by Walk On Air Films, with support from Northern Ireland Screen, the series starts on BBC One Northern Ireland on Monday, April 3 at 10.40pm, with the full series available on iPlayer.
Programme Information highlights for BBC One Northern Ireland in BBC Week 14 (April 1-7) are now live https://t.co/50UG5e1KCk - featuring The House Of Paisley @BBCiPlayer @BBCnireland pic.twitter.com/vhazxg4vwf
— BBC Northern Ireland Comms (@bbcnipress) March 23, 2023
