The House of Paisley

The first episode explores the charismatic appeal of Ian Paisley, described by men and women who followed every turn of his often controversial career. The founder of his own church, Paisley gathered converts who viewed him as a prophet, preaching against the temptations of alcohol, gambling and the Catholic church.

Ian Paisley was renowned for denouncing anything he believed inconsistent with God's plan. In the late 70s, the gay rights movement felt Paisley's wrath during their fight to decriminalise consensual gay sex in Northern Ireland. His protest to 'Save Ulster from Sodomy' failed, but it grounded his position as the representative of so-called traditional values.

The final episode begins with Dr Paisley on the political fringes. The Good Friday Agreement was celebrated as a new dawn, with power sharing agreed in Northern Ireland. But Paisley and his party, the DUP, were vocally opposed to it.