John Hume dead: Former SDLP leader and Nobel peace prize winner dies aged 83

"His contribution to peace in Northern Ireland was epic and he will rightly be remembered for it"
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Former SDLP leader and Nobel peace prize winner John Hume has died aged 83, his family has announced.

Mr Hume, who was born in Londonderry, was awarded the peace prize in 1998 for efforts in forging the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland.

The former Foyle MP, who founded the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) before becoming its leader, had suffered ill health for a number of years and had dementia.

In a statement, his family said: “John was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather and a brother. He was very much loved, and his loss will be deeply felt by all his extended family.

John Hume - In pictures

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“John’s funeral will be arranged according to the current government regulations with very strict rules on numbers. We realise this will mean that many will be unable to join us and we will arrange a memorial service and a celebration of his life in due course.

"Above all, we know that John would have prioritised public health, and the safety and health of our communities. We are grateful for your condolences and support, and we appreciate that you will respect the family’s right to privacy at this time of great loss.

Hume with U2 frontman Bono
PA

“It seems particularly apt for these strange and fearful days to remember the phrase that gave hope to John and so many of us through dark times: we shall overcome.”

They added: “We are deeply saddened to announce that John passed away peacefully in the early hours of the morning after a short illness.

“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.

Hume with former US President Bill Clinton
PA

“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.

“We would like also to extend our gratitude to the people of Derry and Moville/Greencastle, who have looked after John and shown us so much kindness as his dementia has progressed.

“Celebrating community in all its diversity went to the heart of John’s political ethos and we are very appreciative that our communities supported, respected and protected John."

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said Mr Hume was Ireland’s most significant and consequential political figure. In 2010, he was voted as “Ireland’s Greatest” in a public poll by RTE.

“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,” he said.

“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. However, amidst that national mourning it is equally true that the marking of John’s death also opens up a space to reflect on, and celebrate, the magnitude of his life.

“As part of that reflection of John’s work, never has the beatitude rung truer – blessed be the peacemakers.

“The life of John Hume will forever be a blessing upon this island since Ireland is now blessed by the peace he gifted to us all. It is the greatest legacy a political leader can bestow upon his country.”

In this photo from May 21, 1998, Tony Blair (centre) talks to the press alongside Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble (left) and John Hume
AFP via Getty Images

Former prime minister Tony Blair, who was in Number 10 when the Good Friday Agreement was signed, praised John Hume’s “epic” contribution to the peace process.

He said: “John Hume was a political titan; a visionary who refused to believe the future had to be the same as the past. His contribution to peace in Northern Ireland was epic and he will rightly be remembered for it. He was insistent it was possible, tireless in pursuit of it and endlessly creative in seeking ways of making it happen.

“Beyond that, he was a remarkable combination of an open mind to the world and practical politics.

“In any place, in any party, anywhere, he would have stood tall. It was good fortune that he was born on the island of Ireland.

“I was fortunate to work with John on the Good Friday Agreement but also to get to know him years before.

“He influenced my politics in many ways, but his belief in working through differences to find compromise will stay with me forever. My thoughts are with Patricia and the rest of his family. He will be greatly missed.”

John Hume during a 2000 meeting with the Dalai Lama
PA

Mr Blair's sucessor in Number 10, John Major, described the Nobel laureate as one of the most fervent warriors for peace who had earned himself an honoured place in Irish history.

"Few others invested such time and energy to this search, and few sought to change entrenched attitudes with such fierce determination," Mr Major said in a statement.

"Those whose communities have been transformed into peaceful neighbourhoods may wish to pay tribute to one of the most fervent warriors for peace.

"He has earned himself an honoured place in Irish history."

John Hume shakes hands with Nelson Mandela back in 2000
PA

Taoiseach Micheal Martin described Mr Hume as 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,” he said.

“For over four decades, he was a passionate advocate for a generous, outward-looking and all-encompassing concept of nationalism and republicanism. For him, the purpose of politics was to bring people together, not split them apart.”

Irish President Michael D Higgins said Mr Hume had transformed and remodelled politics in Ireland.

“All of those who sought and worked for peace on our island of Ireland, and in the hearts of all, will have been deeply saddened by the passing of John Hume, Nobel Peace Laureate and statesman,” he said.

The president noted Mr Hume’s personal bravery and leadership and “steadfast belief in the principles and values of genuine democracy”.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said Mr Hume was 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,” he said.

“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.

“However, amidst that national mourning, it is equally true that the marking of John’s death also opens up a space to reflect on, and celebrate, the magnitude of his life.

“As part of that reflection of John’s work, never has the beatitude rung truer – blessed be the peacemakers.

“The life of John Hume will forever be a blessing upon this island since Ireland is now blessed by the peace he gifted to us all. It is the greatest legacy a political leader can bestow upon his country.”

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Arlene Foster joined the tributes, hailing the peace Mr Hume "helped to create'.

She tweeted: “John was a giant figure in Irish nationalism but also in the wider life of Northern Ireland.

“Whilst he was recognised across the world, there can be no doubt however that his loss will be most keenly felt in his home city.

“My thoughts and prayers are with John’s family and friends at this difficult time. We think especially of his wife Pat, his children and grandchildren.

"I hope they take some comfort from the peace he helped to create.”

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