“No one man has done as much recently for the rights of Irish people as he has.”
John Hume will forever be known as a man that tirelessly worked towards his unique vision for the future of Northern Ireland, peace.
But this wasn’t a peace that would be brought about through violence, sectarianism, or armed conflict.
Instead, Hume’s leadership and calm authority would reach out to everyone in the community – regardless of religion or nationality – as he relied on his greatest skill, communication.
Despite the growing horror and bloodshed that defined The Troubles, the Derry man never lost his belief in the idea of a peaceful Northern Ireland, or the means that he would use to achieve it, non-violent political protest.
After watching In the Name of Peace: John Hume in America, it’s evident that the amount of respect and admiration that John Hume commands from the public and some of the world’s leading politicians is absolutely unshakeable.
Of course, Hume’s work was incredibly brave given the socio-political climate that he was working in.
His policy of speaking with various US governments and presidents provoked criticism from within the SDLP. He also received death threats after trying to open a political discussion with Sinn Féin because he wanted to involve them in the peace process.
Hume’s legacy will be defined by the fact he was integral in the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. Simply put, thousands of people have better lives thanks to his leadership, bravery and vision.
Even before that historic agreement was signed in 1998, Hume was instrumental in brokering the power-sharing Sunningdale Agreement and the Anglo-Irish Agreement.
Hume’s monumental work in ensuring a better future for all Irish people ultimately saw him win the Nobel Peace Prize, the Gandhi Peace Prize and the Martin Luther King Award – he’s the only recipient of those three major peace awards.
In a fitting tribute, Bill Clinton heralded him as “the Martin Luther King of the Irish conflict” and the former president of the U.S. wasn’t the only person that was incredibly impressed by this timely reminder of Hume’s commitment to ensuring peace in Northern Ireland.
What a great person and peacemaker John Hume is – highly recommend this documentary @rtenews https://t.co/i8XareS6bx
— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) August 7, 2018
It’s clear that John Hume continues to be regarded as one of the greatest Irishmen of the modern era.
John Hume is without doubt one of the great Irishmen if there was more men like him involved in Irish politics who we’re there for their convictions rather than their own selfish needs the place would be a hell of a lot better #johnhumeinamerica
— Graham Patchell (@GrahamPatchell) August 7, 2018
Fascinating insight from @HumeInAmerica in to the pivotal role played by John Hume and US politicians in the Northern Ireland peace process – a groundbreaking documentary #johnhumeinamerica
— Seán Haughey (@sean_haughey) August 7, 2018
"Difference is the essence of humanity. Difference is an accident of birth, and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict… a fundamental principle of peace: respect for diversity" Wonderful #Legacy John Hume @RTEOne
In the Name of Peace #JohnHumeInAmerica— Liam Toland (@LiamToland7) August 7, 2018
There is no doubt John Hume is Ireland's greatest Irishman and #johnhumeinamerica confirms it on RTE
— Conal Baxter (@conalbaxter) August 7, 2018
John Hume facing down that British Army commander: never saw that before. #johnhumeinamerica
— Dermot Keyes (@DermotKeyes) August 7, 2018
The impact John Hume had in trying to broker a Peace Agreement between both communities in #NorthernIreland was phenomenal! #johnhumeinamerica #JohnHume
— L. NíHéineacháin (@LaobhaoiseNihE) August 7, 2018
John had a vision for a peaceful Northern Ireland, he never wavered, he knew the answer and it was respect for differences. #JohnHume
— David Whelan🇮🇪🇺🇦 (@dulchiewhelan) August 7, 2018
Watching this, really good programme, well done @rte , John Hume the real hero of peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland
— Jan O'Sullivan (@JanOSullivanTD) August 7, 2018
Brilliant documentary on John Hume on rte now. Highlighting the significance of John Hume in our history. No one man has done as much recently for the rights of Irish people as he has. It is so important that all he has done (&sacrificed) is not forgotten.
— CM (@cmmullan4) August 7, 2018
What I admire most about John Hume over everything is his condemnation of violence on all accounts. Pacifism is noble and proven to be effective in creating change and enhancing negotiation #johnhumeinamerica
— Conal Baxter (@conalbaxter) August 7, 2018
John Hume documentary best thing RTE have done in years
— Maitiú O Sullivan (@Fumesster) August 7, 2018
Quite a few people also made the very relevant point that highlighted Hume’s remarkable work when compared to the current political vacuum that exists in Northern Ireland.
Watching John Hume in America on @RTEOne . There's not one current politician in NI who comes close to the man's vision, intelligence and leadership. The man was a genius. We were lucky to have him. #hume #johnhumeinamerica
— Jonathan Campbell (@jcampbell1979) August 7, 2018
Perhaps Hume can work his magic again…even looking at this documentary, John Hume in America, should refocus minds in trying to get NI Assembly back up and running. It requires leaders. Who knows, it might stoke up a Brexit opportunity
— Mick Finn (@mickfinn01) August 7, 2018
Excellent interesting and informative programme on John Hume on @rte this evening.
Is it too much to ask for our politicians to deliver us out of the present vacuum facing us— John O'Kelly (@JohnOKelly5) August 7, 2018
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