By Madeline O'Connor

Former DUP leader Ian Paisley has been taken to hospital with what unconfirmed reports suggest was a suspected heart attack

THE Rev Ian Paisley, the former Northern Ireland First Minister, was rushed to theUlsterHospital, Dundonald, on the outskirts of east Belfast, yesterday. Unconfirmed reports claimed he suffered a heart attack.

Mr Paisley, 85, a former MP for north Antrim, led the Democratic Unionist Party for almost 40 years and late last month preached his last sermon after standing down as moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church.

He had s begun work on his autobiography.

Mr Paisley's wife Baroness Paisley confirmed that her husband was being treated in theUlsterHospital.

A statement said: "She requests that the family's privacy be respected at this difficult time."