Journalists to discuss life of ex-First Minister Trimble

22 October 2025

TWO well known journalists are to discuss the life and legacy of the Nobel Laureate David Trimble at a special evening in Downpatrick next month.

Acclaimed author Stephen Walker, who has just written a biography of the former First Minister, will be in conversation with award-winning BBC Northern Ireland political correspondent Gareth Gordon.

The two broadcasters are to appear at a special book launch at the St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick at 7.30pm on Thursday, November 13.

Walker’s new book on the former UUP leader is entitled ‘David Trimble: Peacemaker” and is based on one hundred new interviews and is published by Gill Books.

The book, which charts Trimble’s life and death, has received much media attention and has been featured on BBC Radio Ulster, RTE, the Belfast Telegraph and the Irish Independent.

It has been described by The Irish Times as a “political page turner” and by the former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern as ‘superb”.

The new book includes interviews with Trimble’s friends and colleagues and includes contributions from former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, Senator George Mitchell and former Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams.

Ex-UUP South Down MLA Dermot Nesbitt, who was a Stormont minister, is one of those interviewed by Walker for this new book.

The 450-page biography, which features a number of previously unpublished photographs, was written with the cooperation of the Trimble family and is Walker’s fifth book.

In 2023 he wrote ‘John Hume: The Persuader’, which was a best selling account of the life of the former SDLP leader.

A former political correspondent and Spotlight reporter, Walker worked for the BBC for over three decades. Now a full time author, he lives in Co Down and says he’s delighted to be appearing in Downpatrick.

“I really enjoy coming to Downpatrick,” he said.

“The St Patrick Centre has a great tradition of hosting great nights and I have always loved its atmosphere. I have been on stage a number of times and enjoyed some superb evenings.

“I did a similar event with my John Hume book in 2023 and we had a wonderful sell out evening with a fantastic audience.”

Mr Walker said he was looking forward to seeing many friends and familiar faces.

“My friend Gareth Gordon is a brilliant interviewer so it looks set to be a great night of conversation and political insight with a few laughs,” he said.

Walker, who worked with Gordon in the political unit at BBC Northern Ireland, said there was a big interest in politics and current affairs in Downpatrick.

“We always get great audience questions in Downpatrick,” he added

Tickets for the special event on Thursday, November 13 are now on sale at £10 (£5 concessions) and can be obtained from Stephenwalker.uk or via Ticket Source.

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