For the man who has had more farewells than Frank Sinatra, the Reverend Ian Paisley last night marked his retirement from the pulpit.
The Belfast Telegraph reports today: The 85-year-old former DUP leader, North Antrim MP and Northern Ireland First Minister has already taken a back seat in the political arena.
Last night 2,500 people attended a special service at the Martyrs Memorial Free Presbyterian Church on the Ravenhill Road in Belfast to mark his farewell after more than 60 years as a pastor and church moderator.
Guests at the service included Stormont Health Minister Edwin Poots and DUP MP William McCrea, who sang a solo. Ian Paisley’s wife, Eileen, their five children, ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren also attended.