Peacemaker John Hume has died.
Born in Co Derry in January 1937, he was regarded as one of the most important figures in recent Irish political history and a key architect of the peace process.
He spent many of his later years living in Greencastle with his devoted wife Pat before he became ill.
In a statement released this morning, the SDLP said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that John passed away peacefully in the early hours of the morning after a short illness.
“We would like to extend our deepest and heartfelt thanks to the care and nursing staff of Owen Mor nursing home in Derry. The care they have shown John in the last months of his life has been exceptional.
“As a family, we are unfailingly inspired by the professionalism, compassion, and love they have shown to John and all those under their care. We can never adequately show them our thanks for looking after John at a time when we could not. The family drew great comfort in being with John again in the last days of his life.”
In 1998, Mr Hume and then UUP leader David Trimble were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to end violence in Northern Ireland.
Mr Hume was a huge friend to Donegal and will be remembered fondly for all the work he did locally without seeking praise or reward.
He worked tirelessly to bring an end to the violence in Northern Ireland, reaching out both to paramilitaries and politicians, including those in the United States – the first politician to do so.
From the mid-90s, Mr Hume publicly recognised the mental toll which the pressures of political life had on him.
He spent much of his time in later years living in Donegal.
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