Paisley Jnr defends board move

Mr Paisley is back on the Policing Board

Ian Paisley Jnr has denied that many DUP assembly members are unhappy he was reappointed to the Policing Board after stepping down as a junior minister.

It had been claimed that anger over that contributed to his father's decision to announce his resignation as first minister and party leader.

However, Mr Paisley Jnr said: "There is an awful lot of rumour, an awful lot of gossip.

"I try to live in the real world, not the rumour merchants' world."

He added: "I'm here to do a job, I've been nominated by the party officer to do that job and I will try and deliver for the best of the constituency."

He took the Policing Board place vacated by Jeffrey Donaldson, who replaced him as a junior minister in the executive.

Mr Paisley Jnr, who had previously served on the board, resigned his ministerial position in February.

His resignation followed criticism over his links to developer Seymour Sweeney and controversy over lobbying activity.

Mr Paisley strongly denied any allegations of wrongdoing.

His father, Ian Paisley Snr, announced on Tuesday that he would stand down as first minister and DUP leader in May.