The Chamber is deeply saddened to learn of the death of John Hume and our immediate thoughts go to his wife Pat, his children, wider family and his SDLP colleagues. John was a Derryman through and through but his impact was felt far beyond the City Walls. The city has lost a giant of Irish politics and John’s commitment to social justice, civil rights, and non-violent politics utterly transformed Derry and Ireland for the better.
John dedicated his life to creating a fairer and more equal society, whether through helping found the Credit Union movement in Derry, playing a courageous and leading role in the Civil Rights movement, or being one of the key architects of the peace process which has changed all our lives and the lives of generations to come. The city is immeasurably better off, both socially and economically, for John’s immense efforts over the past 50 years.
Derry is rightly proud of John and his achievements and today is a day of great sadness and grief. The condolences of the entire Chamber are with the Hume family today and over the coming days and weeks. May he rest in peace.