Young and old…John Hume the graduate, and John Hume the peacemaker. Pic by Donal Dunn/Northwest Newspix
Cork North Central Deputy Colm Burke said the idea for a north-south university, which was a largely ignored part of the Government’s proposals on the legacy of the Troubles in July, should be given serious consideration by the Republic.
“On July 14, [Secretary of State] Brandon Lewis suggested that this proposal could symbolise the importance of north-south co-operation and ensure the north-west receives the investment in social enterprises that it so richly deserves,” added Mr Burke.
“It could help to address the long-standing issue of brain drain in Northern Ireland, add immediate value to Northern Ireland’s economy by providing more skilled jobs, and attract research funding and promote of businesses.
“I have suggested that the university might be called the John Hume Memorial University in recognition of the contribution that John Hume made to peace-building, to democratic politics, to community development and to education.
“The Department of Higher Education should engage directly with the Department of Economy in Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Office to examine with an open mind all options for higher education in the north-west region,” he added.
His comments have been supported by SDLP leader Colum Eastwood.
Said the Foyle MP: “Proper university provision in the north-west is critical if we want to grow the region, deliver new jobs and investment but, most importantly, to provide an opportunity for young people to make a life for themselves here.
“Too many kids leave this place every year for university and never come back. We have a commitment in New Decade, New Approach to get enhanced university provision over the line.
“People in Derry, Donegal and across the north-west deserve the same opportunities that other communities take for granted.
“It is far beyond time that the Department for the Economy and the First Ministers in the North took this proposal seriously and started to do something about it.”
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