Murder of friends across the divide inspired concept of joint First Ministers

Marie Trainor, aunt of Damien Trainor, with David Trimble (left) and Seamus Mallon (right), at Poyntzpass (PA)

The murder of two best friends inspired the original concept of a joint office of the First and deputy First Minister in Northern Ireland.

Damien Trainor and Philip Allen were killed by the LVF in a bar in Poyntzpass, Co Down, just weeks before the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement was signed.