Trimble 'weak in defending agreement'

Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble has been weak in defence of the Good Friday Agreement since receiving the Nobel Peace prize, it was claimed today.

Bill Flynn, chairman of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, said in Belfast that his organisation was disappointed by Mr Trimble’s handling of the peace process since receiving the prize in 1998 along with former SDLP leader John Hume.

“One thing that has disappointed us about Mr Trimble was that after receiving the Nobel Peace prize with John Hume he became very weak in his defence of the Agreement.

“He has failed to stand up for it.”

Mr Flynn was commenting as the National Committee outlined 10 requirements for a permanent peaceful settlement in Northern Ireland.

The Committee called on all paramilitaries to issue a “straightforward statement” that their wars were over and to agree to the full decommissioning of their weaponry.

It also called for the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and unconditional support for the police service.