Paisley in TUV election challenge

Ian Paisley said Jim Allister was welcome to run in North Antrim

Ian Paisley has issued a challenge to Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister to challenge for his North Antrim seat.

Speaking from Westminster, Mr Paisley said his former DUP colleague was more than welcome to run in North Antrim at the next general election.

"He is very welcome to come and get a hiding in North Antrim," he said.

Mr Paisley said although the TUV polled well in the European elections, his party was still defeated by the DUP.

He said: "The election was won because he didn't get a seat.

"He stole the seat from me, Jim Allister had not political breath except for what he took from me."

Mr Allister has already indicated he intends to stand in North Antrim after his party's strong performance in the European election.

Traditional Unionist Voice took almost 70,000 votes from the DUP.