Past President John Hume hailed by Credit Union movement as a pioneer and inspiration

Prior to his involvement in politics Mr. Hume was a pioneer of financial co-operativism and helped establish one of the first credit unions on these islands in Derry.

The board, staff and members of the ILCU offered their deepest sympathies to Mr. Hume's wife Pat and his family.

"John was one of the driving forces for the establishment of the credit union movement in Ireland and was a founding member of Derry Credit Union in 1960, Northern Ireland's first credit union.

"In 1964 John Hume became the youngest ever President of the ILCU aged 27 years, and served in this position until 1968. He remained involved in the credit union movement throughout his life despite the life changing peacemaking work he was involved in.

"In 2001, John was made a Life Director of the ILCU, only the second time this honour was bestowed, the other Life Director being Nora Herlihy, one of the founders of the ILCU," said the ILCU.

Video: John Hume hailed for helping introduce credit unions from United States

The board said the Nobel laureate had left a huge legacy within the credit union movement and was an inspiration to all those working in the sector today.

"John Hume's sense of social justice, compassion for ordinary people, and his belief in the strength of the cooperative movement was, and is, an inspiration to everyone involved in the credit union movement on the island of Ireland today.

"He will be sadly missed by all who knew him but his legacy will endure through the peace he created on this island and the credit union movement he helped build. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam," the statement read.