Tributes pour in to John Hume

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

Mr Hume announced his resignation earlier today, citing ill health as the reason for his decision. It will take effect at the party’s conference in November.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Brain Cowen said John’s Hume’s resignation comes at a time when the country is closed then ever to a ‘just and lasting peace on this island and to an historic reconciliation between all the people who share it.’

This he said, is ‘John’s legacy’ his vision will be enduring and we own him a deep debt of gratitude’.

The Labour leader, Ruairi Quinn said Mr Hume’s decision to step down as leader of the SDLP marks the end of an ere. ‘It is perhaps ironic that John should be departing at a time when global need for the values of tolerance, pluralism and community that personified his political life have never been more necessary.’

The Fine Gael leader, Michael Noonan said John Hume’s leadership ‘will be sorely missed. ‘John has made an outstanding contribution to the building of relationships between the peoples of this island and the peoples of Britain, of Europe and of the United States.'