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Local political representatives have paid tribute to David Trimble the former First Minister and Ulster Unionist Party leader who died yesterday at the age of 77.
Trimble was First Minister from 1998 to 2002 with Seamus Mallon joing him as Deputy First Minister from 1998 until he retired in 2001.
Councillor David Taylor, Ulster Unionist party representative for Slieve Gullion remembers him as a true statesman who paved the way for peace for future generations. He said "Lord Trimble will be remembered as a political giant within Unionism - a true statesman who displayed the most courageous leadership to bring peace to NI in order that my generation and those after would have a more prosperous future"
Rowallane Councillor Kathryn Owen called it a tremendous loss to Unionism and passed her sympathies on to UUP members "My thoughts and prayers are with Lord Trimble's family during this difficult time. This marks a tremendous loss to Unionism. I also send my sincere sympathies to those within the UUP."
Lord Kilclooney who was Deputly Leader of the UUP when David Trimble was Leader spoke of his sadness "It is with great sadness that I have just heard that Lord Trimble has passed away. He was a great example of an Ulster Unionist and as his Deputy Leader in the Commons and with him in the Belfast Agreement Negotiations we shared an office at Westminster and I know his love for NI"
The Ulster Unionist Party Leader Doug Beattie MC MLA also paid tribute to the' man of courage and vision.'
Beattie said “David Trimble was a man of courage and vision. He chose to grasp the opportunity for peace when it presented itself and sought to end the decades of violence that blighted his beloved Northern Ireland.
“He will forever be associated with the leadership he demonstrated in the negotiations that led up to the 1998 Belfast Agreement.
“The bravery and courage he demonstrated whilst battling his recent illness was typical of the qualities he showed in his political career, at Stormont and at Westminster.
“He will be remembered as a First Minister, as a Peer of the Realm and as a Nobel Prize Winner. He will also be remembered as a great Unionist.
“On behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party, and with a very heavy heart, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Lady Trimble and his children, Richard, Victoria, Sarah and Nicholas.”
* Former Newry and Armagh MLA and UUP chairman, Danny Kennedy said that Lord Trimble worked to gain peace for Northern Ireland at great personal and political cost. “I would like to pay tribute to the enormous contribution David Trimble made to bring peace and a political settlement for all of the people of Northern Ireland through the Belfast Agreement.
“David Trimble was a political colossus, a man ahead of his time in so many ways, and a man of real intellectual capacity.
“He had courage, ability, intellect and integrity and he was always a loyal Ulsterman who believed passionately in this place and its people.
“His place in history is secure. More than anyone else, he worked extremely hard, at personal and political cost to bring peace to Northern Ireland.
“On a personal basis I will miss him greatly. He was very kind to me and gave me many political opportunities.
“I am deeply grieved at his passing and extend my sincere sympathy to Lady Daphne, his children Richard, Victoria, Sarah and Nicholas and the entire family circle at this sad and difficult time.”
* By: Donal McMahon/ Local Democracy Reporter
