Tributes have been paid to SDLP former party leader John Hume.
His death was announced on Monday morning by the party.
Mr Hume who was 83, was a Noble peace prize winner and one of the founding members of the SDLP. He led the party from 1979 until 2001.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the prominent politician was the ‘greatest peacemaker.’
He played a pivotal role in the talks which led to the inception of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
Derry, and the whole island, is in mourning today following the passing of our friend, leader and greatest peacemaker.
We can never repay all that John did for us but we can live the values that meant so much to him. We shall overcome. pic.twitter.com/GXpcNnu5AW
— Colum Eastwood (@columeastwood) August 3, 2020
In a statement, Mr Hume’s family said they are ‘deeply saddened’ to announce his passing following a short illness.
“We would like to extend our deepest and heartfelt thanks to the care and nursing staff of Owen Mor nursing home in Derry.
“The care they have shown John in the last months of his life has been exceptional.
“John was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather and a brother. He was very much loved, and his loss will be deeply felt by all his extended family.
“It seems particularly apt for these strange and fearful days to remember the phrase that gave hope to John and so many of us through dark times: we shall overcome.”
Among those paying tribute on Monday was Lord Trimble.
“There is absolutely no doubt he was a major figure in the process.
“Right from the outset of the Troubles, John was urging people to stick to their objective peacefully and was constantly critical of those who did not realise the importance of peace.
“He was a major contributor to politics in Northern Ireland, particularly to the process that gave us an agreement that we are still working our way through.
“That is hugely important. He will be remembered for that contribution for years to come,” he said.