With the announcement earlier today that John Hume is to step down as leader of the SDLP because of ill health, attention has now focussed on his successor.

Tributes have been pouring in to John Hume as he steps down as leader of the SDLP.

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern called John Hume ‘‘a true Irish hero,’’ and greeted his decision to quit as leader of the SDLP ‘‘with a sense of sadness - but also of immense gratitude for his magnificent public service’’.

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams paid tribute to Mr Hume’s work during the peace process.

John Hume is quitting as leader of Northern Ireland's Social Democratic and Labour Party.