Speaking to Ballymena TUV Branch last night MEP Jim Allister commented on a leaflet from Ian Paisley distributed this week by post in North Antrim. 

Mr Allister said:-

“This week the voters of North Antrim – a year early – have had the “benefit” of a communication from their MP, Dr Paisley, to celebrate his 40 years as an MP – something which doesn’t arise till June 2010. 

“In the boasts of the leaflet many have noted a significant omission. Now only, in reviewing his career, is the Chuckle Brothers era airbrushed out, but in recalling the slogan from his early elections he managed only to quote half of its content.  He says he was elected on the slogan, “Service Ever”. In fact, the slogan was “Service Ever, Surrender Never”. Maybe, given that his career ended in the ignominy of joint office with IRA leader McGuinness, he judged it more politic and honest to admit that “Surrender Never” was for him now rather embarrassing and dated.

“Happily, in just 5 weeks the voters of North Antrim, in common with everyone else in Ulster, will have the opportunity to pass judgement on Ian Paisley’s continuing legacy of terrorists in government. As the only candidate opposed to such I look forward to a roll call of democrats who still believe terrorists should be in jail, not government.”