David Trimble receives the respect in death he deserved in life, funeral told

President Michael D Higgins, British prime minister Boris Johnson and Taoiseach Micheál Martinat the funeral of former Northern Ireland first minister and UUP leader David Trimble. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

As David Trimble's biographer Dean Godson looked down from the pulpit at the array of faces below, it gave him pause for thought.

Perhaps, he told mourners, the name of his book on the Nobel Peace Prize-winning politician was no longer appropriate.

"The distinguished congregation gathered here today in this kirk, at short notice, in August, is proof positive of one thing — that the title of David's biography, Himself Alone, is in some urgent need of revision," he said.

"For David has never been less alone."

President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and British prime minister Boris Johnson were some of the political leaders in attendance at the service at Harmony Hill Presbyterian Church. Picture: PA

Listening inside Harmony Hill Presbyterian Church were President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and one of his predecessors, Bertie Ahern, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

So, too, was the DUP's Jeffrey Donaldson, the Good Friday Agreement sceptic who quit the UUP under David Trimble's embattled leadership, to defect to the party he now leads.

Republicans and nationalists were also there in number, among them David Trimble's once bitter political rival, former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams.

Current Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill and SDLP leader Colum Eastwood also came to pay tribute to the unionist statesman who helped secure peace in Northern Ireland, but who would ultimately sacrifice his career on the altar of the historic agreement he struck in 1998.

David Trimble, the region's first-ever first minister, was pilloried by many within the unionist community, including some within his own party, after signing the Good Friday accord.

His resilience in the face of that vitriol was no doubt an inspiration for Dean Godson's biography name.

"In death he is finally being accorded the respect and love from all polities and communities in these islands," the peer told the funeral service.

The respect and love in death which he deserved, which he did not always receive in life when he was at the height of his powers and operating, as he so very often did, in the most adverse circumstances

Mourners had started arriving in the modestly-sized church more than two hours before the service began.

Those unable to secure a seat inside stood on the roadside below the church steps, listening in the sunshine as the service was relayed on loudspeakers.

As the afternoon wore on, the sun gave way to rain clouds.

Just before 12.30pm the congregation stood as Rev Fiona Forbes led Mr Trimble's widow Daphne to her seat as one of the couple's favourite classical pieces, Jeremiah Clarke's Voluntary, played on the organ.

Dressed in a black dress and hat, she sat for a moment's reflection before the coffin bearing the peace process's joint architect was carried in by their children.

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Daphne Trimble at the funeral. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

So much of the service was about David Trimble the family man, the father of four and the enduring bond that he and his wife enjoyed.

Former Presbyterian moderator Rev Dr Charles McMullen, who like Mr Godson delivered a tribute, described her as his "constant companion and soulmate".

"His achievements would not have been possible without her unwavering support," he added.

Reverend McMullen, too, acknowledged the breadth of political perspectives sitting in the seats before him, as he urged those on opposing sides of the Irish Sea border row to find a resolution to enable the Stormont institutions that Mr Trimble helped build to function once again.

History, the churchman insisted, would be "kind" to David Trimble.

"Providence shone its light on him and gave him a moment," he said.

"Alongside others, he rose to seemingly impossible challenges with considerable strength of character, intellectual acumen, and complete integrity.

"The reward for all of us has been a radically changed landscape here in Northern Ireland, which has saved many lives and allowed a generation to grow up in relative peace."

Closing his remarks, Mr Godson challenged the public perception of David Trimble as cold and at times ungracious.

"David was not cold and uncaring," he said.

"He cared more and loved more than any politician I've ever known, but, critically, like his religious faith, he rarely showed it."

The peer concluded with a passage from the Book of Proverbs.

"These timeless words are fitting epitaph for William David Trimble," he said.

"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

"David leaves this world with the blessing of a good name here on earth."