Noble Peace Prize winner John Hume 1937 - 2020
Noble Peace Prize winner and former leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party(SDLP) John Hume has died. Born in Derry in 1937 he became an Independent Nationalist member of the Parliament of Northern Ireland in 1969. He was a leading figure in the Civil Rights Movement in Northern Ireland at the height of the troubles. He served in the short lived power sharing executive as Minister for Commerce in 1974. He became the second leader of the SDLP in 1979 until 2001, where he worked toward achieving the Good Friday Agreement with Unionist and Nationalist in Northern Ireland.
Irish President, Micheal D. Higgins, said today "Whatever the loss to all on this island, to his family his loss is greatest. To his wife Pat, his children, and all those who loved him, Sabina and I send our deepest sympathy", he extended his and Ireland's appreciation of the work that John Hume carried out saying "how deeply grateful we all should be that we had such a person as John Hume to create a light of hope in the most difficult of times."
An Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, has paid tribute to John Hume who passed away today, saying “Throughout his long life he exhibited not just courage, but also fortitude, creativity and an utter conviction that democracy and human rights must define any modern society.“I extend my sympathies to his wife Pat and his five children Aine, Therese, John jnr, Aidan, and Mo. Their grief will be great but they can take pride in the knowledge that they have shared their life with one of the greatest Irish people that ever lived.”
The current leader of the SDLP party, Colum Eastwood, MP, said today "Derry, and the whole island, is in mourning today following the passing of our friend, leader and greatest peacemaker. We can never repay all that John did for us but we can live the values that meant so much to him. We shall overcome."
First Minister of Northern Ireland, Arlene Foster, said "Sincere condolences to Pat & the wider Hume family. A giant in Irish nationalism, John left his unique mark in the House of Commons, Brussels & Washington. In our darkest days he recognised that violence was the wrong path & worked steadfastly to promote democratic politics."
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has extended her deepest condolences on the death of John Hume. Former Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams extended to John’s wife Pat and the entire Hume family his “sincere condolences and solidarity on the death of John. When others were stuck in the ritual politics of condemnation."
Michelle O'Neill, Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister, sent her "condolences to his party colleagues and all those he worked with throughout the years. He will be sadly missed."