Former Northern Ireland politician and Joint 1998 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, John Hume. Former Northern Ireland politician and Joint 1998 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, John Hume.Former SDLP leader and Nobel peace prize winner John Hume has died, his family has announced.

The famous political figure won the prize in 1998 for his work to bring peace to Northern Ireland.

In a statement, his family said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that John passed away peacefully in the early hours of the morning after 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.

BELFAST, UNITED KINGDOM:SDLP leader John Hume is in buoyant mood, 21 May, as he arrives for a breakfast meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble at Dunadry Hotel to encourage a Yes vote for Friday's peace referendum. (Photo credit should read GERRY PENNY/AFP/Getty Images)“As a family, we are unfailingly inspired by the professionalism, compassion, and love they have shown to John and all those under their care. We can never adequately show them our thanks for looking after John at a time when we could not. The family drew great comfort in being with John again in the last days of his life.

“We would like also to extend our gratitude to the people of Derry and Moville/Greencastle, who have looked after John and shown us so much kindness as his dementia has progressed.

“Celebrating community in all its diversity went to the heart of John’s political ethos and we are very appreciative that our communities supported, respected and protected John.

“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. “John’s funeral will be arranged according to the current government regulations with very strict rules on numbers. We realise this will mean that many will be unable to join us and we will arrange a memorial service and a celebration of his life in due course. Above all, we know that John would have prioritised public health, and the safety and health of our communities. We are grateful for yourcondolences and support, and we appreciate that you will respect the family’s right to privacy at this time of great loss.

“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.”

  • AFP