John Hume RIP

Trimble undid any good deeds by taking Paisley's hand and walking down the Garvaghy Road. How the Nobel Peace committee could watch footage of Trimble and Paisley and still give him a share of the nobel prize after is a head scratcher. As some have said he isn't fit to lace Hume's shoes. We as Nationalists and Catholics were blessed to have a man of integrity, decency, courage and intelligence like John Hume to advocate a peaceful way forward in Northern Ireland. Indeed all people of N.I. owe a great deal of gratitude to John Hume. It would have been the easiest thing in the world to walk away from peace talks in the face of violence, sectarianism and intransigence but he persevered and the North is now reaping the rewards of his courage and stellar determination.

Galwayguy35 wrote: »

Was watching UTV news at 6pm and the only guy who couldn't bring himself to acknowledge what JH had achieved was some DUP guy called Gregory Campbell, he said Hume was divisive during the civil rights protests.

What a bitter old man this guy is.

Gregory Campbell only recently again started to slag off the Irish language. He well knows by making fun of what many nationalists feel is part of their culture, he is by association belittling them. Campbell is the MP for the neighbouring Westminster constituency to Foyle which John Hume represented for many years. It is indicative of John Hume that he offered a hand of friendship to men such as Campbell.

Five Eighth wrote: »

Gregory Campbell only recently again started to slag off the Irish language. He well knows by making fun of what many nationalists feel is part of their culture, he is by association belittling them. Campbell is the MP for the neighbouring Westminster constituency to Foyle which John Hume represented for many years. It is indicative of John Hume that he offered a hand of friendship to men such as Campbell.

IQ of a housebrick allied to an ethno-religious superiority complex, Campbell doesn't do much to help the wider perception of his party and community. It's a common thread running through settler populations, deep down in the basest essence of their beings they viscerally know their hegemony isn't justified.

batman75 wrote: »

Trimble undid any good deeds by taking Paisley's hand and walking down the Garvaghy Road. How the Nobel Peace committee could watch footage of Trimble and Paisley and still give him a share of the nobel prize after is a head scratcher. As some have said he isn't fit to lace Hume's shoes. We as Nationalists and Catholics were blessed to have a man of integrity, decency, courage and intelligence like John Hume to advocate a peaceful way forward in Northern Ireland. Indeed all people of N.I. owe a great deal of gratitude to John Hume. It would have been the easiest thing in the world to walk away from peace talks in the face of violence, sectarianism and intransigence but he persevered and the North is now reaping the rewards of his courage and stellar determination.

All true. Trimble couldn't be kept off the Garvaghy Road back in the day.

BUT he did move and moved further than anyone else (and to be fair needed to) Contrast Trimble with poor sad Gregory Campbell who still clinging to the good ol' days of Duke Street and Magilligan Strand

John Hume funeral: Family of former SDLP leader say streets of Derry (should not) be lined for funeral.

Sounds like the great man's send-off will be a much smaller affair than the IRA fellas funeral a few weeks ago.

Restrictions imposed as a result of the global pandemic will will limit numbers in St Eugene's Cathedral to his family & a few notable exceptions.

In normal circumstances Prime Minister Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister Tony Blair & former US President Bill Clinton would have travelled to NI for the funeral, but Covid restrictions prevent them . . . .

SchrodingersCat wrote: »

Yes. IMHO it would be one of the largest funeral of the state if it wasnt for the unfortunate time we are in.

"His family added: “We know that he would have prioritised public health and the safety and health of our communities. We’re asking people to follow that guidance – please do not put yourself or others at risk. Instead, we would ask that people light a candle for peace at 9pm in their homes or at their door.”

Decent to the last

leahyl wrote: »

In bits here, Phil Coulter playing "The Town I Loved So Well" on the keyboard

One of my favourite stories about Hume was his creation of the Derry Credit Union using his own money. The Undertones applied to that Credit Union for a £400 loan to record Teenage Kicks. I know it’s extremely minor in terms of his overall contribution to Irish life, but it just resonated with me as it’s such a perfect little pop song.

JohnnyFlash wrote: »

One of my favourite stories about Hume was his creation of the Derry Credit Union using his own money. The Undertones applied to that Credit Union for a £400 loan to record Teenage Kicks. I know it’s extremely minor in terms of his overall contribution to Irish life, but it just resonated with me as it’s such a perfect little pop song.

Great story. Reminds me of one of the most fondly watched films of all time staring James Stewart. George Bailey (the character played by Stewart) manages a town’s (type of) credit union to provide low interest rate funds to the townsfolk. Bailey sacrifices his own plans and dreams to keep the business going for the welfare of others. The name of that film? It’s a Wonderful Life. How appropriate is that for John Hume? A wonderful man.

I haven't seen the inside of a church in over 30 years but watched John Hume's funeral online from start to finish today. He has to be the greatest Irishman since Daniel O'Connell.

We down south should now really understand the discrimination our Northern Irishmen/women had to endure.