The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Sandra Duffy, will open a Book of Condolence this afternoon in the Guildhall in memory of the former First Minister and Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble.
The 77-year-old ex-leader of the Ulster Unionist Party was one of the principal architects of the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement that ended decades of conflict in the region.
Lord Trimble, who jointly won the Nobel Peace Prize along with SDLP leader John Hume, died on Monday following an illness.
Read more: Bill Clinton hails Trimble for helping to bring peace to NI
As she made the announcement, Mayor Duffy took the opportunity to express her condolences to Lord Trimble's wife and family, and said he left a lasting legacy for the people of the North.
""I was saddened to hear the news yesterday and I want to extend my condolences to David's wife Daphne and his family, friends and colleagues who mourn his loss today," she said.
"David Trimble played a pivotal role in paving the way for peace, and used his influence to change attitudes and perceptions that fuelled hatred and mistrust here at a time when it was needed most.
"He was undoubtedly courageous in his determination to bring about change, when many within his own community opposed his views.
"He took personal risks to secure a better future for others, and saw the value of dialogue and compromise when it came to achieving the shared objective of enduring peace.
"He leaves behind him a legacy which will secure him a prominent position in the history of this place for many years to come.
"I felt it was important to open a Book of Condolence today to allow people from all sides of the community to record their own tributes to David Trimble and his role in promoting unity and cohesion across the North."
The Book of Condolence will open in the Guildhall from 4.30pm today, and will be available to sign from 9am to 7pm on weekdays and 9am – 5.30pm on weekends.
An online Book of Condolence will be available to sign HERE.
READ NEXT:
- Lord Trimble – Good Friday Agreement architect and former UUP leader – dies
- David Trimble’s journey from Drumcree hardliner to peace prize winner and leader
- David Trimble: Leading figures across the peace process era and political divide pay tribute
- Good Friday Agreement has survived almost 25 years despite objections says Lord Trimble
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