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Former SDLP leader John Hume has died after a long spell of failing health.
The giant in politics made an enormous contribution to the cessation of violence from all quarters in the north. The former MEP was also heavily involved in the Credit Union movement.
Tributes have been pouring in for the “colossal” figure. MLA Justin McNulty said that Mr Hume has left a legacy every Irish person can be proud of.
Mr McNulty said “John Hume was a colossal figure and like Séamus Mallon he was a hero to me. His place in Irish history is assured alongside O’Connell and Parnell. He spilled his sweat and not one drop of anyone else’s blood in his battle for justice, equality, fairness, civil rights and peace on this island.
“Although he was an internationally recognized statesman and was justly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, John remained a man of his people.
“John Hume’s determination and relentless pursuit of peace on our island paved the way for the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. He leaves a legacy every Irish person can be proud of.
“My sympathies are with John’s wife Pat and his entire family circle, his friends and community and with his SDLP family.
“John Hume, the man who made hope and history rhyme. I measc na naomh go raibh sé.”
Newry Councillor Michael Savage also paid tribute saying “Today we said farewell to Ireland’s Greatest John Hume. A sad day for Ireland. His vision is the reason I entered politics. Seamus Heaney summer him up perfectly when he said: “John Hume made Hope and History rhyme!”
Thank you John”
Expressing his condolences former Newry and Armagh MLA Dominic Bradley said “Tá mé faoi bhrón agus mé i ndiaidh scéala bhás John Hume a fháil. Is mór an chailliúint é dá bhean agus dá theaghlach. Déanaim comhbhrón lena chéile Pat agus leis an teaghlach ar fad. I am very sorry to hear the news of John Hume’s passing. It was through meeting John that I joined the SDLP. John made a huge contribution to peace in Ireland and dedicated his life to peaceful politics here. He was a world figure who influenced Ireland, Britain, Europe, and America. Hume was an inspiration to peace makers throughout the world his contribution recognised by the Nobel Prize, The Martin Luther-King Prize and the Gandhi Prize. He once said that if his approach saved one life it was worth it but undoubtedly it saved hundreds if not thousands of lives. Ireland is indebted to John Hume. Without him many more would have died. Thank you John. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm uasal. Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.”
Sinn Féin Newry & Armagh MP Mickey Brady also extended his deepest condolences on Mr Hume’s death.
He said “It is with great sadness that I have learned this morning of the passing of John Hume.
“I want to extend my sincerest and deepest condolences to John's wife Pat, to their children, to their wider family, to John's wide circle of friends and to his colleagues in the SDLP.
“A huge political figure in our society for many decades. He was leader who took risks that ultimately helped bring about peace.
“His actions helped to shape the peace process and he was central to the negotiation of the Good Friday Agreement.
“John Hume leaves a lasting legacy and the international and national esteem in which he is held is immense”
