John Hume was ‘one of the giants of modern Irish history’

The Church of Ireland Bishop said he was ‘deeply saddened’ to learn the Nobel Peace Laureate had passed away this morning.

“John achieved what many people had thought impossible by plotting a course through the previously uncharted waters of peace in Northern Ireland.

He mapped out a route which addressed what he called “the totality of relationships in these islands”: between Unionists and Nationalists; north and south; Britain and Ireland. The approach he prescribed gave rise to our modern peace process.”

He said that people who grew up during the Troubles ‘recognise that Northern Ireland is a better place now because of the courage and commitment of people like John Hume.

“We owe him and them an enormous debt for what they achieved on our behalf. We would now honour John best by completing that quest to build a better society and a peace that endures.

“I offer my sincere condolences to John’s devoted wife, Pat, and to their five children, and assure the family that they are to the fore in my prayers at this very sad time.”