John Hume – in his own words, will be launched tonight (Friday 1st December) in Ulster University Magee Campus, Derry at 7pm. The book written by Seán Farren will be launched by Colum Eastwood, the Leader of the SDLP.
Speaking ahead of the launch, the SDLP Leader said: “John Hume was the architect of the Good Friday Agreement. His vision for partnership and power-sharing led our island to the peace we now all enjoy.
“This book captures the remarkable journey of a remarkable man. The extracts of his speeches, articles and interviews should be reflected on by all of us at this time of political instability.
“John led way to fight for human rights and fought constantly for economic equality. He saw a way forward for the North, for Ireland and he never gave up the belief that power-sharing was the way to secure a future for all free of violence.
“This book, written by John’s close friend and colleague Seán Farren, is a real insight into the creative mind of a Derry man who charted a different course for the people of this island. It is timely reminder of the fragility of our process that should serve as intervention for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to partnership, power-sharing and progress.”
Seán Farren author and friend of John Hume said: “This book collects key extracts from many of the visionary pieces of Hume’s work. The selected texts chronicle his entire career, covering his entry into public life in the early 1960s through the Credit Union, the Derry Housing Association, the civil rights movement, his first election to the Northern Ireland Parliament, the foundation of the SDLP, his influence over successive Irish governments, and the various initiatives aimed at ending the violence and achieving an acceptable agreement.
“It provides a comprehensive overview of Hume’s political thoughts and his proposals for resolving the Northern Irish conflict.
“The book is a tribute to his work and to the man that John is. His compassion, determination and implacable talent transformed these islands in a way that no other single individual did.
“John brought peace to these islands but he also gave us a way forward. The book will be of interest to anyone who ponders the past but also to those who seek to carve a way forward for a new future.”
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