TRIBUTES have poured in from across the political divide after the sad news that John Hume has passed.
He was aged 83.
Mr Hume died in the early hours of Monday, August 3, at Owen Mor nursing home in Derry.
The former teacher came to prominence during the Civil Rights Movement in 1968.
He played a major role in the peace talks which led to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
That year Mr Hume was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, along with the then leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, David Trimble.
Lord Trimble paid tribute to Mr Hume following confirmation of his death.
“There is absolutely no doubt he was a major figure in the process.
“Right from the outset of the Troubles, John was urging people to stick to their objective peacefully and was constantly critical of those who did not realise the importance of peace.
“He was a major contributor to politics in Northern Ireland, particularly to the process that gave us an agreement that we are still working our way through.
“That is hugely important. He will be remembered for that contribution for years to come.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “John Hume was a great hero and a true peace maker.
“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.
“During the darkest days of paramilitary terrorism and sectarian strife, he kept hope alive. And with patience, resilience and unswerving commitment, he triumphed and delivered a victory for peace,” said Mr Martin.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said: “The death of John Hume represents the loss of 20th century Ireland’s most significant and consequential political figure.
“It is no exaggeration to say that each and every one of us now lives in the Ireland Hume imagined – an island at peace and free to decide its own destiny.
“This is an historic moment on this island but most of all it is a moment of deep, deep sadness. In the days ahead, Ireland will be united in mourning his loss.”
Former taoiseach John Bruton said: “John Hume was the pivotal figure of the 20th century in the development of thinking about Ireland’s future.
“He reframed the problem from being one about who held sovereignty over land, to being one about people, and how they related to one another.
“Thus reframed, the issue became one to which violence and coercion became completely irrelevant. This was the intellectual basis of the peace process.
“The issue was no longer one about winning or losing, but about sharing or choosing not to share.
“In practical terms, he won the argument. That is why we have peace today,” added the Foyle MP.”
Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald tweeted: “John Hume was a towering figure, a national icon.
“I am so sorry to learn of his death.
Former SDLP leader John John Hume: Pic by Joe Boland/Northwest Newspix
@SDLPlive
“Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
Mr Hume had been suffering from dementia for many years.
In a statement, his family said: “John was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather and a brother.
Family pay tribute to “exceptional care” John Hume received at Owen Mor these past few months
The family’s statement added: “We would like to extend our deepest and heartfelt thanks to the care and nursing staff of Owen Mor nursing home in Derry.
“The care they have shown John in the last months of his life has been exceptional.
“As a family, we are unfailingly inspired by the professionalism, compassion, and love they have shown to John and all those under their care.
“We can never adequately show them our thanks for looking after John at a time when we could not.
“The family drew great comfort in being with John again in the last days of his life.”
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