David Trimble
David Trimble
William David Trimble, Baron Trimble, PC, is a British politician who was the first First Minister of Northern Ireland from 1998 to 2002, and the leader of the Ulster Unionist Partyfrom 1995 to 2005. He was also the Member of Parliament for Upper Bann from 1990 to 2005 and the Member of the Legislative Assemblyfor Upper Bann from 1998 to 2007. In 2006, he was made a life peer in the House of Lords and a year later left the...
NationalityIrish
ProfessionPolitician
Date of Birth15 October 1944
CityBangor, Northern Ireland
CountryIreland
We came here in hope that progress could be achieved, we came here in the hope that there would be significant movement by the republican movement for us to enable us to move forward together.
We all knew that the agreement was not going to be a magic wand and ... that there are elements opposed to it. These elements will not succeed.
very interesting. It does appear to break new ground. There are some quite positive elements in it.
We will of course be reflecting on all of the things that have been said in the debate and carrying through the tactics that have been outlined,
We want to ensure that nothing is imposed upon the people here, that their consent is paramount.
Circumstances give in reality to every political principle, its distinguishing colour, and discriminating effect. The circumstances are what render every civil and political scheme beneficial or noxious to mankind.
We have started and we will go on. and we will go on all the better if we walk rather than run. Sometimes we will stumble but this will not matter.
We have still not secured any commitment (on IRA disarmament) that would be recognized by unionists. We consider that the guarantees are weak.
We hope that they can, as they have done in the past, improve on what the IRA has done,
We realize that in proceeding we will be involved directly or indirectly ... in a process that involves Sinn Fein.
We have done and will continue to do everything we can to maximize the opportunity that's here for people. I hope we've gone over the Rubicon this time.
There have been problems, no doubt about it.
There are two traditions in Northern Ireland. There are two main religious denominations. But there is only one true moral denomination. And it wants peace.
As we take stock of this century of achievement, Ulster Unionists have every reason to feel proud.