Ceann Comhairle pays tribute to the late Lord David Trimble

The Houses of the Oireachtas has opened a Book of Condolences as a mark of respect to the former leader of the Ulster Unionist Party who passed away on Monday aged 77.

The Ceann Comhairle has also made arrangements for the flag over Leinster House to fly at half-mast on the day of Lord Trimble’s funeral.

The Ceann Comhairle said: “David Trimble’s legacy is the Good Friday Agreement and the peace enjoyed today in Northern Ireland and across this island. He showed true leadership and remarkable courage in the role he played on behalf of Unionism in the negotiations that culminated in the Agreement.

“He then showed the same leadership and courage in helping to build and nurture the power-sharing institutions it established as First Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive alongside the late Seamus Mallon as Deputy First Minister. David’s role was correctly recognised by the Nobel Peace Prize which was jointly awarded, in 1998, to David and the late John Hume.

“While David Trimble was a dedicated and passionate Unionist, he also believed that only by working together could the people of Northern Ireland, Ireland and Great Britain put our troubled past behind us and build a peaceful and prosperous future for all our children, grandchildren and generations to come.”