Northern Ireland

David Trimble reveals daughter is in same-sex-marriage

Former leader of the UUP David Trimble. Picture by Mal McCann
Former leader of the UUP David Trimble. Picture by Mal McCann Former leader of the UUP David Trimble. Picture by Mal McCann

FORMER First Minister David Trimble has revealed his daughter is in a same-sex marriage.

The leader of the Ulster Unionist Party from 1995 to 2005 was speaking during a House of Lords debate on a vote by MPs to introduce same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.

It will be legalised if a new Stormont executive is not formed by October.

It is understood that Lord Trimble's daughter, who lives in London, married her partner two years ago.

While an MP in 2004, Lord Trimble was one of several unionist representatives who voted no on the Civil Partnership Bill.

On Wednesday night, he told the House of Lords that access to abortion and same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland were "delicate matters".

"I have found myself taking a particular position with regard to same-sex marriage, which was forced upon me when my elder daughter got married to her girlfriend.

"I cannot change that and I cannot now go around saying that I am opposed to it because I acquiesced to it. There we are."