Audio interview with Ian Paisley, leader of the DUP and DUP MLA for North Antrim, by the BBC on 12 February 2000. On 11 February 2000 the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Mandelson, suspended devolved government. The decision derived from a concern that David Trimble would resign as First Minister of Northern Ireland in protest at the absence of IRA decommissioning. Paisley reacts to the suspension of devolved power and discusses unionist responses to the issue of IRA decommissioning. This interview forms part of the BBC Northern Ireland A State Apart online resource which documents thirty years of peace and violence in Northern Ireland from the Troubles to the Belfast Agreement/Good Friday Agreement.
Date of Release/Broadcast: 12 February 2000
Name of First Interviewee: Ian Paisley
Role at time of Interview: Leader of the DUP and DUP MLA for North Antrim
Interviewer: Unknown
Purpose: News, Research
Media: Audio
Copyright: BBC © 2012
Link: Listen to the interview
Programme/Book/Article: BBC Northern Ireland A State Apart
Time Period covered: 2000
Key Individuals: Ian Paisley, David Trimble, Peter Mandelson
Key Words: Suspension of devolved government, IRA, decommissioning, republican, DUP, UUP