Bedside prayers for Ian Paisley

Northern Ireland's political leaders have called for prayers to be said for the Rev Ian Paisley, who remained ill last night after being taken to hospital with heart problems on Sunday.

Dr Paisley, now Lord Bannside, had "a reasonable night" on Monday, with members of his family present at his bedside.

Contrary to some reports, he had not suffered a heart attack and was able to communicate with his family to some degree.

Martin McGuinness, of Sinn Fein, who had acted as Dr Paisley's deputy during his period as Northern Ireland's First Minister, issued a joint statement with the present First Minister, Peter Robinson, offering best wishes.