CONGRATULATIONS to Dr Ian Paisley and the Democratic Unionist Party on an excellent result of 36 seats in Northern Ireland's Assembly elections. This proves there are still some sane-minded people that do us proud in this United Kingdom.

Ian Paisley is a man of guts and true Christian conviction, who has for years stood against the subtleties and falsehood of Rome and the murderous onslaught of Sinn Fein/IRA.

How he needs our prayers at this time, that he will not be bullied by Peter Hain, our treacherous Government, and that meddler from across the border - Bertie Ahern - into holding hands in leadership with the unscrupulous Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness.

When we think towards the end of Tony Blair's term in office how we need a man like Ian Paisley to lead us out of our present morass and enslavement in the EU. He is a present day Moses who will look to the Lord God for strength and guidance, and cause our people to repent and trust again in the God that made this nation great.

Colin G Farquhar, Framwellgate Moor, Durham City.