John Hume was a man of peace and a ‘real’ Irish hero

WE have lost a ‘real’ Irish hero with the passing of John Hume.

He never killed anyone for his cause. He never encouraged others to do likewise. He never endorsed violence in any form as the road to peace. He was steadfast in his belief that the road to peace was only through dialogue, breaking down barriers and building bridges.

His strength was his words. That old adage of the word being mightier than the sword surely is apt to put next to the name of John Hume.

Throughout the most toxic period of Irish history, he stood up for peace.

He never wavered, although at times he looked spent, he always rallied, ready for another speech or round of negotiations.

If we had honours in Ireland, such as a knighthood, then surely John Hume would be the ultimate knight, one to command respect at the most exalted and honourable of round tables.

And may this man of peace rest in peace. Jim Yates

Dublin 24