The Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Steve Aiken OBE MLA, has paid tribute to John Hume who has passed away.
Steve Aiken OBE MLA said:
“John Hume’s huge contribution to political life in Northern Ireland is unarguable, even by those who would have regarded themselves as political opponents.
“Throughout the long dark decades of the Troubles, John Hume consistently offered constitutionalism nationalism, a peaceful alternative to the violent republicanism of the IRA, which he recognised was utterly futile.
“As Leader of the SDLP he helped deliver the 1998 Belfast Agreement which offered a much needed pathway out of the horrendous violence that had afflicted Northern Ireland for so long, and cost so many innocent lives.
“His efforts were rightly recognised with the award of the Nobel Peace Prize along with David Trimble. John Hume commanded respect in Washington, Dublin, London and Brussels, and in his long political career he was elected to Stormont, Westminster and the European Parliament.
“On behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his wife Pat, his family and to all his friends and colleagues.”