The President has expressed his deep sadness following the death of David Trimble after a short illness at the age of 77.
Michael D Higgins said his dedication and courage, often during the most challenging times, has earned him a distinguished and deserved place in our history books.
David Timble led the Ulster Unionist Party and became Northern Ireland's First Minister in 1998.
Politicians across all divides are remembering his desire and commitment for peace.
Former Labour Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain says he took great risks for peace:
"Because he was that Unionist leader who had done something that no Unionist leader had ever done before, and step across the divide and put his hand out and seek to not agree with everybody but to find a peaceful way forward, that is his memorial."
