The House of Paisley, a recent documentary series on HBO, has certainly raised a number of questions about the Rev Ian Paisley, the political and religious leader of Northern Ireland who passed away in 2014. Many have wondered how this conservative, often controversial figure grew to become one of the most influential leaders of his time. In this article, we will take a closer look at The House of Paisley and try to answer the question: how did the Rev Ian get to be so weird? Through examining his life, beliefs, and legacy, we will explore what drove this complex and compelling figure, and what his lasting impact might be on both Northern Ireland and the world at large.
The House of Paisley (BBC One) was a comprehensive documentary of Ian Paisley’s life and career, comprising a vast range of archive footage and insightful commentary from knowledgeable experts. However, while the documentary covered many aspects of his life and psychology, it also left viewers with a few lingering questions.
One of the major questions that the documentary failed to answer was how Paisley became so “weird.” There was no mention of his childhood or his family, including no photographs or information about his parents or siblings. Furthermore, there was no mention of his education, including schools he attended and his academic achievements.
Despite this lack of information, it was clear that Paisley’s psychology played a significant role in his career. He was a narcissist with a burning desire for fame and attention, and this was evident throughout his life. He wanted to be the star, and his clothes exemplified this desire, from his three-quarter-length wedding coat when he was young to his broad-brimmed fedora in old age.
The documentary explored Paisley’s career, from his campaign to “Save Ulster From Sodomy” to his alliance with Sinn Féin. It was good on class and the attraction Paisley held for working-class loyalists. However, it also raised questions about the destruction that his rhetoric caused and the lives that could have been saved had he been brought into the fold earlier.
Another significant question that the documentary left unanswered was how Paisley funded his campaigns and his big church, as well as the amount of money he left in his will. It was also unclear where Paisley and his politically shrewd wife Eileen were domiciled.
Despite these unanswered questions, The House of Paisley was a fascinating history lesson for the many who were not yet alive when he was a major political figure. Paisley was a cartoon version of all our Protestant stereotypes, yelling about damnation and being rude about the pope, who was just as conservative on sexual matters as he was. However, he was not a good leader for the Protestant people, but then, in many ways, he was not a good leader for anyone.
In conclusion, The House of Paisley was an insightful documentary that covered many aspects of Ian Paisley’s controversial life and career. However, it also left viewers with many lingering questions, particularly about his childhood, education, funding, and domicile. Despite this, the documentary was a fascinating history lesson for those who were not alive during Paisley’s political career.