Transcript of an interview with David Trimble, former First Minister of Northern Ireland, by John Humphrys for BBC Radio 4 On the Ropes on 12 July 2005. At the general election held in Northern Ireland two months earlier David Trimble lost his seat in parliament while his party retained just one seat at Westminster. On 7 May he resigned as leader of the UUP. In this interview Trimble reflects upon the achievements and limitations of his political career to date while discussing the significance of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement to a lasting peace in Northern Ireland. On the Ropes is an interview-style biographical programme on BBC Radio 4.
Date of Release/Broadcast: 12 July 2005
Name of First Interviewee: David Trimble
Role at time of Interview: Peer in the House of Lords
Interviewer: John Humphrys
Purpose: News
Media: Transcript
Copyright: BBC © 2013
Link: Read the transcript
Programme/Book/Article: BBC Radio 4 On the Ropes
Time Period covered: 1924-2005
Key Individuals: David Trimble, Marquess of Londonderry, Edward Heath, William Craig, Ian Paisley, Tony Blair, Reg Empey
Key Words: UUP, national identity, education, religion, Queen’s University Belfast, NICRA, civil rights, Vanguard Unionist Progressive Party, direct rule, policing, unemployment, United Ulster Unionist Council, Orange Order, Belfast Agreement, Good Friday Agreement, Sinn Fein, IRA