In an interview for the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, the 81-year-old said he was no longer a young man and had other ambitions to pursue beyond politics.

He talked about his legacy and said he had never shaken hands with Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness because it would have been a "farce".

"I am a sinner, saved by the grace of God," said Mr Paisley.

With his trademark honesty, he told Andrew Marr: "I have my faults, Paisley to quit as first minister ...
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Irish singer Dolan dies in hospital ... which are many, which I lament. I want to do the best for my country.

"And I want to say that I believe that when I helped to get a settlement for the Northern Ireland situation, I was only a helper. I mean I don't deserve all the praise".

Direct rule

Mr Paisley announced last Tuesday that he would stand down as first minister and DUP leader in May. He has been leader of the DUP for almost 40 years.

He became first minister in May 2007 following the suspension of direct rule after five years.

There has been much speculation as to whether he was pushed into resigning.

It had been said that senior party members were unhappy about the appointment of his son, Ian Paisley Jnr, to the Policing Board.

Last month, Mr Paisley Jnr resigned as a junior minister in the Northern Ireland Executive.

His resignation followed criticism over his links to a developer and controversy over lobbying activity.

Peter Robinson, the current finance minister, is viewed as the clear favourite to take over as the new leader of the DUP.

The full interview can be heard on the Andrew Marr Show on BBC One, Sunday 9 March between 0900 and 1000 GMT.

(BBC)

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