Chief among them was Ian Paisley jnr, MP for North Antrim and son of DUP founder Ian Paisley. But much of the DUP’s new-found access in Washington is down to Ian Paisley jnr and his early support for the Trump administration. Paisley jnr and his father directly contacted Trump, continuing this engagement through the years. Paisley, as well as other senior members of the DUP, has also built up strong links with the vice-president. “It was very beneficial for him to recognise the nuance about Northern Ireland.”As for Trump, Ian Paisley’s next focus is on a possible visit to Ireland by the 47th president of the United States.

Source: The Irish Times March 19, 2018 01:18 UTC