President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to the "immense contribution" made by John Hume – who celebrates his 80th birthday today – to the advancement of peace and reconciliation in Ireland.
Mr Higgins said the founding member of the SDLP and co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize with David Trimble in 1998 was "the moral architect of an inclusive peace process" that delivered the Belfast Agreement of 1998.
Rejected violence
“Responding to the faultlines of sectarianism and injustice which he encountered in his early adult life, John Hume always rejected the use of violence as an instrument of change; following the principle that an eye-for-eye approach leaves us all blind,” he said.
“By providing leadership to those who dedicated themselves to achieving peace, partnership and equality through dialogue and democratic engagement, John motivated and inspired many of the best men and women of his generation.
“As he turns 80 today, the many aspects of John’s life and legacy – as a man of courage, a committed European and a dedicated and visionary peacemaker – serve as a much-needed inspiration to all of us.”
Mr Higgins added that, at a time when both the EU and Northern Ireland face particular challenges, “the values that John espoused – equality, respect, solidarity and partnership – are needed more than ever”.
