DUP deputy leader Peter Robinson has said he has the utmost respect for Ian Paisley.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio's This Week programme, he said Dr Paisley had made a massive contribution to Unionism.
Mr Robinson said that while the DUP would not have chosen Sinn Féin as its preferred partner, he still supported Dr Paisley's decision to enter power-sharing with republicans.
He said the DUP had got republicans to agree to a range of issues, including the ending of terrorism and criminality, decommissioning, and support for police.
Mr Robinson also said he hoped to see devolution of policing and justice in Northern Ireland soon.
However he said it would be unhelpful if it was to happen tomorrow, and he would first look to see a high measure of stability being achieved.
Mr Robinson said the IRA Army Council should dissolve itself as quickly as possible, and the DUP would look to see if the Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams gives leadership on the issue to make it happen.
Mr Robinson said there has not been a period during his lifetime when there has been a better relationship between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic, and there are many areas where there is a win-win relationship for both sides, such as the economy.
