Robinson tipped as new DUP leader

Peter Robinson is being viewed as Ian Paisley's successor

Stormont Finance Minister Peter Robinson is being viewed as the clear favourite to take over as DUP leader after Ian Paisley steps down in May.

It is understood the DUP assembly party can pick a new leader without an election involving the wider party.

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said he did not envisage a bitter contest for Ian Paisley's successor.

"I do not envisage there being a contest, let alone a bitter contest," Mr Campbell said.

Mr Robinson would not be drawn on his future plans. "I don't think anybody is ruling themselves in or out - there is not, at this moment, a vacancy," he said.

"We're under the leadership of Dr Paisley, and the party will decide those issues at the appropriate time using its own procedures."

The 81-year-old will step down as first minister and DUP leader in May.

Ian Paisley has announced his resignation

DUP MLA Jeffrey Donaldson said he would be backing Mr Robinson as the new leader.

"He would be my favourite. He is probably one of the most skilled if not the most skilled strategists within unionism and politics in Nrothern Ireland.

"He has proven that time after time, he has been the deputy leader for many years within the DUP and as such has proven his leadership skills. I think he will be a very popular choice right across the party."

Responding to questions about his replacement, Mr Paisley said: "This is not Apostolic succession.

"I have no right to say who will succeed me. The person will succeed me when the mark is on the paper and the ballot is cast."

Mr Paisley's announcement that he is to step down followed speculation that senior party members were unhappy about the appointment of his son, Ian Paisley Jnr, to the Policing Board.

Last month, Mr Paisley Jnr resigned as a junior minister in the Northern Ireland Executive.

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

The whole country values and admires the manner in which he has led as first minister Prime Minister Gordon Brown

Mr Paisley Snr said he planned to continue as MP and MLA for North Antrim.

He became first minister in May 2007 when a devolved government was restored to Northern Ireland.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said his ministerial colleague's move was not unexpected.

"The historic decision he took to go into government with Sinn Féin has changed the face of Irish politics forever," he said.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Mr Paisley had made a huge contribution to political life in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom.

"The whole country values and admires the manner in which he has led as first minister," he said.

Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern said he did not believe Mr Paisley's decision would affect the future of the power-sharing government.

"I honestly believe that (devolution) will last because I believe there are very pragmatic people in all of the parties," he said.