A Book of Condolence has been opened by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council following the death of Lord David Trimble, former leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.

Chair, Councillor Barry McElduff, confirmed he and the Vice-Chair, Councillor Allan Rainey, had met earlier in the day to finalise the wording on a press release around the Book of Condolence.

Tributes were led at the most recent meeting by Councillor Victor Warrington, who said: “News of the death of Lord Trimble was received with great sadness throughout Northern Ireland.

“His input into politics and contribution along with John Hume in ensuring peace through the Good Friday Agreement has cemented his place as one of the greatest political leaders in our country.

“For this, he will be remembered in history.”

Councillor Warrington continued: “He was an individual driven by a determination to achieve an everlasting peace, and for that he was prepared to reach across the political divide.

“This was something he received a lot of criticism for, even from within his own party. But he remained firm.

“His determination saved numerous lives and even though there is still a terrorist threat out there from dissidents and others, we are certainly living in a better Northern Ireland today.”

He sent sympathy to Lord Trimble’s wife and family on behalf of the Ulster Unionist grouping.

Councillor McElduff told members: “I was present at the Good Friday Agreement talks and I have a distinct recollection of the moment in the room whenever David Trimble affirmed his support.

“Obviously, he was a co-architect [of the Good Friday Agreement] with several others, and I want to acknowledge that political courage.”

Councillor Tommy Maguire passed on Sinn Fein’s condolences, commenting: “When you get an agreement of like-minded people, it doesn’t mean very much. But when you get an agreement of people with such diverging opinions at the time of the Good Friday Agreement, it’s then that you actually change history.

“David Trimble should be acknowledged as one of those men who took the courageous step, and has created for us a generation of young people who have not known the conflict [of The Troubles].

“For that, he should be commended and remembered with respect.”

The SDLP’s Councillor Paul Blake told members: “I was one of those young people who grew up in an era of peace.

“David Trimble had to struggle within his own party and he overcame that to achieve peace with my former party leader, John Hume, alongside Seamus Mallon. This is so much a better place by their time on this earth.”

Speaking on behalf of the Democratic Unionist Party, Councillor Paul Robinson described Lord Trimble as “a gentleman who I always found to be very generous and respectable”.

The final speaker, Vice-Chair Councillor Rainey, said: “It is my sad duty to pay tribute to Lord Trimble, who I had the privilege of working with over many years.

“I found him to be of real intellectual capacity, and a loyal Ulsterman who believed passionately in this place and its people.

“I feel his place in history is assured. He worked hard and led from the front, often at great personal and political cost, to bring peace to Northern Ireland.”

He concluded: “I would safely say to you, David, you have been weighed in the balance, and found not wanting.”