"The Queen has been pleased to approve Ian Paisley be sworn of Her Majesty's most honourable Privy Council," a Downing Street statement said.

The DUP leader is entitled to the status as the leader of the fourth largest political party in Parliament."

So it would appear he got it because of his position as a leader of a political party, not because of who he is or what he says.

"Other Northern Ireland members of the Privy Council include Lord Molyneaux and David Trimble."

"Traditionally, the Privy Council was a body of advisers to the British Sovereign.

As the power of the monarch declined the cabinet replaced the council as the senior decision-making body.

The council's duties are now largely formal and ceremonial.

The full council only comes together on two occasions: when the monarch dies and the council proclaims the accession of their heir; and when a monarch intends to marry."

The appointment seems to have been automatic, to a body that is ceremonial and without any power - So what's the big deal?