What Happened Here?
David Trimble MP: First Minister Designate ot the Northern Ireland Assembly
by Andrew (15), Norah (15) and Leanne (17)

The First Minister Designate meets the Young Investigators is 45-50 years old. The event that remembers most strongly: We felt the interview with Mr Trimble was both enjoyable and educational. ''It not only gave us a chance to hear his views on both political and social issues, but it also gave us a chance to see what type of personality he had, which you can't really tell from TV interviews. He was very pleasant and was prepared to answer all the questions set to him. Norah commented that we didn't have as much time to speak to him as we had hoped because of the pressure from the media. She said, ''There were many reporters and photographers taking note of what was going on. When I watched the rugby scrums the next Saturday (Congratulations Ulster!) it reminded me of the media scrum with David Trimble!'' However, we were all grateful to him for giving up his time to speak to us. David Trimble began his political career in the early 70's. He first worked as a civil servant in Stormont and then at a university. As he told us himself, ''Those that can do, do. Those that can't, teach. Those who can't teach, teach the teachers.'' Mr Trimble is confident about the professionalism of the police force and believes they have the morale to deal with the situation in Northern Ireland. When asked about his views on abortion, Mr Trimble replied that he was.... ''against it for obvious reasons'' and made it clear that there were only a very limited range of circumstances where abortion could even be considered. When talking about social issues involving teenagers he said he did not believe their anti-social behaviour was caused by a lack of facilities. He said there would always be some boisterous behaviour irrespective of facilities. He believes, however, that the introduction of ID cards would reduce under age drinking considerably. Asked if he felt that the youth of today had a good grasp of the situation in Northern Ireland Mr Trimble replied, ''I hope so.'' Quizzed on whether Protestants and Catholics could live together in a peaceful community? He replied, ''Yes, but religious traditions and policy matters might affect this.'' Did he feel he was fairly and accurately portrayed by the media? His reply was short and sweet. ''Oh no!'' he answered, laughing and looking around the members of the press present. Mr Trimble said he enjoyed being interviewed by our group. Asked, by a journalist, what he thought about our line of questioning he replied by saying, ''I much prefer being interviewed by them.'' Mr Trimble concluded the interview by joking about us trying to take his job but... having watched the media scrum around him he shouldn't worry - we don't think it is for the faint hearted!