Stephen Walker In Conversation with Gareth Gordon

A look back at a remarkable night at the St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, where author Stephen Walker and BBC political correspondent Gareth Gordon came together for an evening of conversation, insight, and reflection on the life and legacy of Lord David Trimble. ⏱️ Video Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction by Gareth Gordon 2:25 - The Many Words Used to Describe David Trimble 5:45 - Trimble the Outsider: Early Life & School Struggles 10:15 - From Vanguard to the Ulster Unionist Party 16:00 - The "Nearly Man": Trimble's Rise to UUP Leadership 23:00 - Crossing the Rubicon: Signing the Good Friday Agreement 26:10 - The "Fuss on the Bus" & Clashing with the DUP 30:35 - Trimble's Awkwardness & Lack of a "Common Touch" 33:20 - The Importance of Daphne Trimble 38:00 - The Famous BBC "Hearts and Minds" Interview Blowup 41:50 - The Lighter Side: Trimble's Quirky Sense of Humor 48:00 - The Price of Peace: Sacrificing His Party for the Agreement 55:20 - Winning the Nobel Peace Prize (And Going Back to Sleep) 1:01:40 - Audience Q&A: The DUP, The Orange Order & Trimble's Faith 1:13:30 - Trimble & Arlene Foster: A Surprising Act of Kindness 1:24:35 - The Parallels Between David Trimble and John Hume Recorded on Thursday 13 November 2025, this event brought audience members inside the story behind Walker’s acclaimed new biography, “David Trimble: Peacemaker”. Described by the Irish Times as a political page turner, the book draws from 100 new interviews and the cooperation of the Trimble family to tell the definitive story of one of the most significant figures in British and Irish political history. Lord Trimble served as an MP, Party Leader, and First Minister, and is widely regarded as the most influential unionist leader since 1921. As a Nobel Laureate and key architect of the peace process, his contribution remains central to modern Northern Ireland. In this special event, Walker and Gordon discuss Trimble’s career, character, and the challenges he faced, offering political insight, personal stories, and moments of humour throughout. About the Speakers • Stephen Walker – BBC correspondent and reporter for over 30 years, and author of five books including the Irish best seller John Hume: The Peacemaker. • Gareth Gordon – Award-winning political correspondent with BBC Northern Ireland, and one of the most recognisable faces in NI journalism. Whether you’re interested in politics, history, or the legacy of the peace process, this recap captures the atmosphere and depth of a truly memorable night at the St Patrick Centre.