Higgins hails vision of rights hero Hume

PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins yesterday said the vision of peacemaker John Hume should be embraced on the 50th anniversary of a historic civil rights march.

Speaking in Derry to commemorate the event many say marked the start of the Troubles, he recalled the goal of a “shared Ireland that recognises unionist and nationalist traditions”.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people joined a Sinn Fein march that traced the protesters’ route in the city.

ON THE ROAD Sinn Fein march in Derry yesterday SPEECH President Michael D Higgins, right, yesterday VETERAN Ivan Cooper