Former SDLP leader John Hume died in the early hours of this morning, his family has announced. Here are some of the tributes to the architect of the Good Friday Agreement.
"John Hume, through his words, his astute diplomacy and willingness to listen… transformed and remodeled politics in Ireland and the search for peace, with personal bravery and leadership." President Michael D. Higgins.
It is impossible to properly express the scale and significance of John Hume’s life. He was one of the towering figures of Irish public life of the last century. His vision and tenacity saved this country. We owe him and his wife Pat so much. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Today, we mourn the passing of one of Ireland’s greatest ever sons. He ranks alongside O’Connell and Parnell in the pantheon of Ireland’s great leaders. He was a patriot, a peacemaker, a democrat, and a great great Derryman. RIP John Hume. Tanaiste Leo Varadkar.
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. Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster.
“John’s contribution to Irish politics cannot be underestimated. When others talked endlessly about peace John grasped the challenge and helped make peace happen. Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams
It is deeply saddening to hear of the death of John Hume.
“Life across the island of Ireland is peaceful and more prosperous today because of his courage, vision and determination. He guided away from violence and towards justice, tolerance and democracy. He takes his rightful place in the pantheon of leaders whose legacy is of creating a better world for the next generation. UK Labour Leader Keir Starmer.
Few people deserved the Nobel Peace Prize more than John – he dedicated his life to peace, and for that the people of Northern Ireland will never forget him. Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis.
John Hume was a political giant. Endlessly he gathered the strength and bravery to make peace happen. He dreamt in his Nobel Peace Prize of a time ‘where our children can look to the future with a smile of hope’. May this and the shared future he imagined be his legacy. Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Louise Haigh.
John Hume was a beacon of peace, justice & equal rights in Ireland, Europe & across the world. In dark times over long decades, he kept believing, hoping, working & trying to make it better. We owe John, Pat & their family our enduring gratitude. “Blessed are the peacemakers” Conor McGinn MP
Heartbroken at the news that John Hume has passed away As a Civil Rights leader, John dedicated his life to fighting injustice. In the darkest of hours he was a light of hope He’ll always be remembered as the man who made peace possible. Our thoughts with SDLP & John’s family. Labour Party Irish Society.
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