"A champion of peace and justice": Tributes paid to Pat Hume

Tributes have been paid following the death of Pat Hume, the widow of former SDLP leader John Hume.

Mrs Hume passed away on Thursday.

Her death comes just over a year after that of her Nobel Peace Prize-winning husband John. His death led to a flood of tributes from around the world.

Current SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said that without Mrs Hume "there would have been no peace process in Ireland''.

Mr Eastwood added: "The compassion, integrity and immense fortitude that defined her incredible character breathed life into our peace over the course of a long campaign that, at times, must have looked like it would never bear fruit. Pat never gave up faith.

"Pat was, of course, John's guiding light. She was his constant companion, sharing the road and easing the burden in the most difficult of times. When they came under public pressure and attacks on their home for doing what they knew was right, she remained his rock.

"The scale of his achievement was made possible by the depth of her love. But she was, in her own right, a fierce champion for peace and justice.

"Pat holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Derry. She would have done anything for them and, in return, they loved her. Our city is in mourning tonight for a woman who showed us unconditional compassion and support every day of her life.

"We all live in an Ireland that she nurtured, at peace with itself and free to set its own destiny. It is an incredible legacy that will never be forgotten.''

Mr Eastwood added: "My thoughts are with Pat's children Aine, Therese, Aiden, John and Mo, her beloved grandchildren and their wide circle of friends at this incredible difficult time.''

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: "I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the Hume family on the death of their beloved mother, Pat.

"A devoted wife of Nobel prize winner, the late John Hume, she was his partner in family life and in political life.

"Pat and John worked side by side for decades, she was his trusted adviser at key political moments and his anchor in their beloved Derry.

"I want to recognise the tremendous contribution Pat made in their life's work for peace and stability on this island and her resilience and courage on the path to peaceful change.

"Her love and care for John and their family and her commitment to helping the community and people of Derry means she will be much missed. ''

Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown, said Derry's loss is heaven's gain.

"It is with great sadness that I have heard of the death of Pat Hume. In her death the city and indeed our country has returned to God an extraordinary person.

"She was small in stature but a colossus at a very difficult time in the history of this island. She was the rock behind the man who rightly has been credited as the architect of our current peace."

Irish President, Michael D. Higgins said: “There will be so many people who will hear of the passing of Pat Hume with great sadness. Their hearts will go out to her family and close associates.

"Their sadness, however, may I believe be helped as they recall Pat’s extraordinary contribution to life on this island and beyond.

"That life of Pat Hume was one of total commitment to community, to the possibilities of peace, to the measures of non-violence that were necessary to assert, vindicate and achieve the results of civil rights.

"While her support of the work of her late husband and Nobel Prize recipient, John Hume, was an exercise in solidarity, a partnership in courage, endurance and fortitude, her personal contribution was unique, immense and important in its own right.

"Pat’s personal contribution as teacher, mother, in conditions of conflict, political adviser, constituency secretary and consoler of the victims of oppression from so many sources, was extraordinary in every sense.

"The care, compassion and consistent support she gave was exemplary and without a hint of exclusion. "

Uachtarán Sinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald has also expressed condolences at Pat's passing.

She said: I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pat Hume today and I would like to extend my deepest condolences to her family and friends.

“A retired teacher, Pat Hume was on the frontline of Irish politics alongside her husband, the late John Hume, from the days of the Civil Rights movement to the peace process and as a community activist in her own right.

“Following John’s sad passing last year, Pat was central to establishing the John Hume Foundation to continue his work promoting peace and reconciliation.

“I want to recognise and place on record my respect for the very important role played by Pat Hume to bring about the peace process and the courage, generosity and risks taken by both herself and John to achieve peace in Ireland.

“She will be sadly missed by her children, extended family and friends, colleagues and the people of Derry. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said Pat was a "lovely lady".

Former First Lady, Hillary Clinton, who met Pat on several occassions, tweeted: "Pat Hume was a gracious, determined force behind the achievement of peace in Ireland.

"She and her husband John both made the world a better place and set an example for us all. Sending my condolences to her family.''