Former SDLP leader and Nobel Laureate John Hume has passed away at the age of 83.
One of the driving forces behind the Northern Ireland peace process, he’s one of the most important figures in Ireland’s political history.
Committed to achieving Irish unity by peaceful means, Mr Hume was the co-recipient of the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize with David Trimble – also receiving the Gandhi Peace Prize and the Martin Luther King Award, making him the only recipient of all three major awards.
People have been honouring Mr Hume since hearing of his passing this morning with Derry Girls writer Lisa McGee leading the tributes, taking to Twitter to say:
“I have no words that could possibly do this Man’s life and legacy justice. Perhaps I should just use the ones he said time and time again – ‘We shall Overcome.’ Thank you John. You gave us peace, now rest in it.”
I have no words that could possibly do this Man’s life and legacy justice. Perhaps I should just use the ones he said time and time again “ We Shall Overcome.”Thank you John. You gave us peace, now rest in it 🕊 #JohnHume pic.twitter.com/8UH5wqq8Hs
— Lisa McGee (@LisaMMcGee) August 3, 2020
Several others have followed suit, sharing their own kind words in honour of John. With one local woman writing that “John Hume looked after us, so Derry looked after him”, it’s clear that his loss will be greatly felt – not only in the surrounding community but across the country as a whole.
https://twitter.com/aoifegracemoore/status/1290209982793711616
John Hume was one of Ireland’s most extraordinary politicians at a time when we needed him.
The risks he took during the peace process, ensuring our Good Friday Agremeent, will never be forgotten.
Thoughts with Pat, his family, friends & wider SDLP family. https://t.co/Wz9cB2UqMN
— John Finucane MP (@johnfinucane) August 3, 2020
Sad news of the death of John Hume. A nationalist, a statesman & a peacemaker. Above all a man of whom all Irishmen & Irishwomen can be proud. May he rest in peace https://t.co/a7O0ypAOSI
— Joanna Cherry KC (@joannaccherry) August 3, 2020
A statement released by John’s family encourages people to remember one of his most famous phrases.
“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.”
