“My thoughts are with the friends and family of Lord Trimble,” said Mrs Long.

“My sympathies are also with his former colleagues in the UUP. Lord Trimble’s greatest legacy to his political career is the Good Friday Agreement and the risks he took to both help achieve it, and ensuring the resulting Assembly remained during its unsteady early days. It was at times an unenviable role.

“His contribution to the peace process and the ending of violence in our society helped secure his place in history. My condolences go to Lord Trimble’s family.”

Former Alliance Leader David Ford added his sympathies.

“I was saddened to hear of the death of David Trimble. He led his party to – with others – reaching the Good Friday Agreement and deserves all the credit he received for his part in the peace process.

“Northern Ireland would be a much poorer place without his achievements. I join in expressing sympathy to Daphne and to their family and colleagues."