A remarkably relaxed Ian Paisley answered questions from the press yesterday at his campaign headquarters in Ballymena. To the great surprise of those present he seemed to show as much interest in the election soon to take place in Rome as in his own election campaign. After declaring that the DUP would consolidate its position as the dominant unionist party, and that no deal could take place without his consent, he went on to discuss the papal election.
"I remember the happy years I spent in the European Parliament in Brussels with great affection. It was a wonderful opportunity to get to know people from different backgrounds, cultures and of all religions and none. One of my fellow MEPs from Italy told me about this splendid fellow from his country, a Cardinal Ruini, and how admired he was by his compatriots. Although of course I don't bet myself, I have asked a friend to invest £1,000 with Paddy Power at 20/1. I would urge anyone in a position to influence the conclave to support this man".
"Ulster will remain in my hands, and Rome will be in Ruini's".
"I remember the happy years I spent in the European Parliament in Brussels with great affection. It was a wonderful opportunity to get to know people from different backgrounds, cultures and of all religions and none. One of my fellow MEPs from Italy told me about this splendid fellow from his country, a Cardinal Ruini, and how admired he was by his compatriots. Although of course I don't bet myself, I have asked a friend to invest £1,000 with Paddy Power at 20/1. I would urge anyone in a position to influence the conclave to support this man".
"Ulster will remain in my hands, and Rome will be in Ruini's".