“John was a Derry man through and through but his impact was felt far beyond the city walls”

The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce said it was ‘deeply saddened’ to learn of the death of Mr Hume.

“Our immediate thoughts go to his wife Pat, his children, family and his SDLP colleagues.

“John was a Derry man through and through but his impact was felt far beyond the city walls. We have lost a giant of Irish politics and John’s commitment to social justice, civil rights, and non-violent politics utterly transformed Derry and Ireland for the better.”

The Chamber said that John Hume “dedicated his entire life to creating a fairer and more equal society including playing a courageous and leading role in the Civil Rights movement, helping found the Credit Union movement in Derry, and of course being one of the key architects of the peace process which has changed all our lives and the lives of generations to come.

“Our city is immeasurably better off, both socially and economically, for John’s immense efforts over the past 50 years.

“Derry is rightly proud of John and his achievements and today is a day of great sadness and grief. The condolences of the entire Chamber are with the Hume family today and over the coming days and weeks. May he rest in peace.”