Martin pays tribute to David Trimble at Queen's University lecture

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has paid tribute to former Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble, saying he played a critical role in the negotiations that led to the Good Friday Agreement.

Speaking at Queen's University Belfast, Mr Martin said the level of personal bravery required was under-appreciated at the time and should not be forgotten.

He was delivering the inaugural Lord Trimble Lecture.

Mr Martin said Trimble was a figure of great significance in Irish and British history and that his life should be better remembered and understood.

The Taoiseach said Trimble had sought to represent his community while also responding to the need to find a way forward.

He described him as a man of sincere belief who showed personal political bravery at difficult moments.

The remarks come as political attention continues to focus on the legacy of the peace process and the role played by key figures in the talks that produced the 1998 agreement.

Mr Martin's comments were made in Belfast, but the supplied material does not indicate any new policy announcement or wider political development linked to the lecture.

It is not clear from the available information whether there were any further remarks from other speakers or whether the event led to any immediate response.

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