FORMER Northern Ireland First Minister and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party Ian Paisley has died.

"My beloved husband, Ian, entered his eternal rest this morning,” said Dr. Paisley's wife Eileen, in a statement released this afternoon.

Reacting to the news, DUP MLA Arlene Foster said: “I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear the news of the passing of Dr. Paisley. A colossus of unionism has been called home, and my deepest sympathy goes out to Baroness Paisley, and his wider family. It is a sad day for Northern Ireland.” The 88 year old's funeral will be private, his family have said.