Lord Trimble, the original first minister of Northern Ireland and co-architect of the Good Friday Agreement, has died at the age of 77 following a short illness
But the rise of Sinn Fein before the IRA had decommissioned weapons forced him to take another leap of faith.
He incurred the wrath of anti-agreement Unionists, eventually losing his Upper Bann seat at Westminster to the Democratic Unionist Party. A lawyer, academic and statesman, David Trimble will be remembered for his ability to see what others couldn't, the potential for lasting peace.MPs from across the political spectrum have paid tribute to his legacy.He 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.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:"I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Lord Trimble earlier today. He was a giant of British and international politics and will be long remembered for his intellect, personal bravery and fierce determination to change politics for the better." Meanwhile, Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill tweeted:"His very significant contribution to the peace process and his courage in helping achieve the Good Friday Agreement leaves a legacy a quarter century on for which he and his family should be rightly proud."
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