A mixed reaction in Upper Bann

The news that Mr David Trimble had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize received a mixed reaction in the First Minister's Upper…

The news that Mr David Trimble had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize received a mixed reaction in the First Minister's Upper Bann constituency.

Mr Breandan Mac Cionnaith, spokesman for the Garvaghy Road Residents' Association in Portadown, said: "We hope that David Trimble lives up to the expectations bestowed on him by the laureate committee." Another resident of the Gar vaghy Road was more forthright. "David Trimble only got the award to keep unionists quiet. John Hume certainly deserves it - over the last 30 years he always argued against violence. But Trimble - no way; what peace has he brought to Portadown, never mind Northern Ireland?"

At nearby Drumcree, as Orangemen continued their protest, there was also little enthusiasm for Mr Trimble. A local Orangeman, Mr Ivor Young, said: "Trimble only got this award to keep him on board with the agreement. Although I don't agree with John Hume's politics, I can see the justification in his award. Trimble, however, is a different case.

"What has he contributed to peace? Absolutely nothing. This agreement hasn't brought peace . . . Peace is still a far-off dream as far as we're concerned in Portadown."

READ MORE

However, there were words of praise for Mr Trimble within his own constituency party. Mr George Savage, chairman of Upper Bann Unionist Association - a colleague of Mr Trimble in the Assembly - said he was delighted that the UUP leader, along with Mr Hume, had received the prize.

"I am proud of David Trimble's achievement," Mr Savage said. "Both he and John Hume have worked tirelessly for political progress. This joint award is a major boost for politics in Northern Ireland and I personally hope that it will further the ultimate objectives of the Good Friday agreement."