Ian Paisley vows to fight North Antrim by-election if it's called

By David Hunter

Ian Paisley has vowed to contest any by election which may be called in North Antrim. 

The DUP veteran could be forced from his seat at Westminster if the Commons upholds a recommended 30-day suspension on Tuesday. 

The Standards and Privileges Committee made the suggestion after Mr.Paisley failed to properly register two luxury trips, paid for by the Government of Sri Lanka. 

He later lobbied the UK Government on issues relating to the country, but it was within an unacceptable time frame of the holidays taking place. 

If suspended, residents in North Antrim can force a by- election by signing a document against Mr.Paisley holding the seat. 

Last week, he issued an apology in the House of Commons, which is being considered by fellow MP's ahead of today's vote. 

Writing in the Ballymena Gaurdian newspaper this morning, the 51-year-old said :"There are also some who would have me booted out of Parliament and a by-election called to fill that vacancy.

"They are opportunists, some with questionable motives, and I can tell them I have no intention of going quietly into the night. 

"If a petition leads to a by-election make no mistake about it, I will seek re-election as I have never run away from an election in my life, and I don't intend to do so now."

The DUP has also to reveal what actions, if any, it will make internally over the issue. 

Party officers met on Saturday to discuss the fallout of the North Antrim MP's actions, but have yet to make any statement. 

In a previous statement from Mr.Paisley's legal team he apologised, and insisted there was no ulterior motive to the incident.