Trimble was probably looking at the long game. A few concessions to Nationalists in 1998 might appease them a little and slow down the momentum towards a united Ireland.
Some noted political commentator at the time suggested that Unionists had won a great deal in the GFA yet deemed it a defeat whereas Nationalists had conceded a lot but celebrated it as a victory.
That probably tells you more about the unionist mindset as our betters than anything else.
Doesn't it just.
Can't recall who said this now...
Unionists got a great deal but were too thick to realise it, Nationalists got a bad deal but were too clever to admit it.
Disagree, end to the conflict, parity of esteem (still working towards), mechanism for unification
There was a third party of course, the south, the establishment got what they wanted too, to wash their hands of the north
Unionists while they also got the benefits of the conflict ending lost their inbuilt dogma, hence their perceived loss
