Neeson arrives for Freedom of the Borough ceremony

Describing Northern Ireland as a “changed place”, Neeson told awaiting media that he “wouldn’t be here if it hadn’t changed”.

The Taken star says he regrets the Freedom of Ballymena ceremony did not happen 12 years ago but added that he realises we are now “living in different times”.

The Hollywood star added that he is 99.9% Ballymena which means “potatoes and a strong work ethic”.

He also revealed that he had been approached to do a film about Ian Paisley, but said all the scripts were “atrocious”.