Trimble delivers memorial lecture in Coleraine

Nobel Laureate and former leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, David Trimble last night delivered the first Antony Alcock Memorial Lecture at University of Ulster Coleraine.

Now a member of the House of Lords as Baron Trimble of Lisnagarvey, he gave his audience an in depth analysis of the conduct of the negotiations which led to the Belfast Agreement of 1998, and offered some reflections on what was described as ‘unfinished business’ from the Agreement.

He paid tribute to the talents and commitment of the late Professor Alcock, who was a member of the UUP negotiating team at the Belfast Agreement talks, saying: “I first met Antony in 1975, and was immediately impressed by his intelligence, his knowledge and his forthrightness.

“Antony was unionist and a friend of the unionist community in Ulster, but not an uncritical one. In the conclusion of his talks diary he reflects on the character of the unionist community, which in its ‘utter lack of charity, prefers to be an outraged victim, rather than an outright victor, and until this victim mentality is ended, this community will not prosper.’

“We should ourselves acknowledge that there is truth in this observation and try to avoid, those modes of thought, those persons and parties who encourage this form of self pity.”

In recent weeks, Baron Trimble has announced his departure from the Ulster Unionist Party to join the Conservative Party.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Richard Barnett, and the Provost, Professor Alan Sharp, welcomed Baron and Lady Trimble to the campus.

The Vote of Thanks was given by Professor Alcock's widow, Mary.

(JM/KMcA)