Hume calls for stronger trade links with France

Stronger trade and tourism links should be fostered between Ireland and France, former MEP John Hume said today.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner told the Ireland France Chamber of Commerce today that both countries should build on their historical ties to forge closer relations in the modern world.

The former French teacher said: “Now we are living in a smaller world and the time has come for Ireland and France to get much closer together.”

“There are very historic relations between Ireland and France.

“The Irish are the biggest wandering people in the world and before America was discovered, they wandered all over Europe and particularly into France.

“I’d like to see more French people coming to Ireland and more Irish going to France.”

Mr Hume said that some of the most famous wines in France were founded by Irish people.

“The Irish used to make their alcohol out of potatoes but there weren’t enough in France so they made it out of grapes instead,” he explained.

The Lynch, Barton, McCarthy and Hennessy families had lent their names to famous wines and spirits.

The former SDLP leader added that an Irishman, Patrick MacMahon served as president of France from 1873-1879.

Founded in 1979, the Ireland France Chamber of Commerce helps promote business links between the two countries.

With over 100 members, it is Ireland’s third largest international Chamber of Commerce.

A spokesperson said today: “We invited Mr Hume to address our AGM lunch because of his links with France and its language and culture.”

Mr Hume told delegates that his first job after university was as a teacher of French at his old school, St Columb’s College in Derry in the late 1950s.

He had earlier graduated with a French and History degree from St Patrick’s College, Maynooth in 1958 and had also studied at the Institut Catholique in Paris.

As an MEP Mr Hume frequently visited France to promote EU integration as a MEP and also holidays in the Bordeaux region.

He was awarded France’s highest civilian award, the French Legion of Honour medal in 1999, and he carried it on his lapel today.