Tributes pour in after death of John Hume at 83
Family statement: "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."
Last updated 3rd Aug 2020
Former SDLP leader John Hume has died at the age of 83.
Mr Hume, who was awarded the Nobel peace prize for efforts in forging the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland, had suffered ill health for a number of years.
The former Foyle MP had dementia and was cared for in the Owen Mor nursing home in Londonderry.
In a statement, Mr Hume's family said: "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.
"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.
"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'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 yourcondolences and support, and we appreciate that you will respect the family's right to privacy at this time of great loss.
"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.''
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.''
Former Ulster Unionist leader Lord Trimble, who was jointly awarded the Nobel peace prize along with Mr Hume, paid tribute.
"Right from outset of the Troubles, John was urging people to seek their objectives peacefully and was constantly critical of those who did not realise the importance of peace,'' he said.
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.
"During the darkest days of paramilitary terrorism and sectarian strife, he kept hope alive. And with patience, resilience and unswerving commitment, he triumphed and delivered a victory for peace.
"While the 1998 Good Friday Agreement was the product of many people's work, can anyone really claim that it would have happened without John Hume? He didn't just talk about peace, he worked unstintingly for peace, at times in the face of the most virulent criticism and risk to his life. He knew that to be a peace maker on this island meant being a risk taker.
"John Hume's life was one of towering achievement. His vision was realised and while illness took away his voice, his presence remains all around us on this island in the form of political stability and he has left us a powerful legacy of peace and reconciliation.
"Such achievement of course meant much sacrifice - a sacrifice shared by his wife Pat and his family, but they knew it was for the greater good.''
Stormont First Minister Arlene Foster said Mr Hume was a giant figure in the life of Irish nationalism and wider Northern Ireland.
"For many of my generation, he was a constant throughout our lives,'' said the DUP leader.
"Whilst we disagreed politically, I always admired his steadfast abhorrence of violence, regardless from where it came.
"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.''
Sinn Fein deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill expressed her sadness.
"John Hume was a hugely important figure in our political history and a driving force in the Good Friday Agreement,'' she said.
"He was a man of vision and committed to bringing about equal rights for all.
"John leaves behind a legacy of power sharing and peace.''
And former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has expressed his “deep sense of personal loss”.
He said: "When others were stuck in the ritual politics of condemnation John Hume had the courage to take real risks for peace."
And he added: "John’s contribution to Irish politics cannot be underestimated. When others talked endlessly about peace John grasped the challenge and helped make peace happen."