Countless lives saved by David Trimble’s courage

Politicians are often the target of our frustrations and sometimes anger, which can, on occasion, be justified.

But, back in the 1990s, a group of politicians from opposite ends of spectrum came together to help end the violence which was claiming lives and devastating families and communities in every corner of the North.

The UUP’s David Trimble had the hugely-challenging role of leading unionism into these negotiations, involving huge compromises, and leaps of faith which would ultimately lead to the peace we take for granted today.

For an entire generation, the Troubles, the endless peace talks and the Good Friday Agreement are a series of extraordinary events, which they learn about from history books.

Our peace can appear fragile at times, but it is important for those of us who lived through the troubled times, that we recall just how dark those days were, and just how febrile the atmosphere was when David Trimble, John Hume, and others, spent long days and sleepless nights coming up with the deal that ultimately saved innumerable lives.

David Trimble showed leadership in the face of adversity from many within the unionist family. Like Hume, he eventually paid a tough price for striking the peace deal, as both the UUP and the SDLP lost their positions as the leading parties in the North.

It is hard to imagine modern-day politicians taking such a gamble. But, in a genuine effort to stop the bloodshed, Lord Trimble stood firm and took the courageous and historic step.

His lasting legacy of peace and unity was reflected perfectly on Tuesday morning, when the three daily newspapers of the North all carried the exact same front page headline, which read, ‘A man of vision and courage’.