LISTEN - Hume family to give Nobel,Martin Luther King and Gandhi peace prizes to people of Derry

By Hannah Spratt

The family of internationally renowned political bridge-builder John Hume is to give his three world peace prizes to the people of Derry-Londonderry.

The man whom Bill Clinton once described as Ireland's Martin Luther King is the only person in the world to have received  the Nobel Peace Laureate; the Martin Luther King prize and the Mahatma Ghandi award.

His daughter Mo  says her dad - who died last August -  built alliances for peaceful change in Ireland, Westminster, Brussels and the usa - but always remained rooted in Derry. 

She says her family believe it's right for the people of the city - both nationalist and unionist - to share the awards...

 Pat Hume said: “On receipt of the Nobel Peace Laureate, the Martin Luther King Jnr Non-Violent Prize and the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Prize, John said he accepted each award with a tremendous sense of honour.

John accepted them in the name of all the peace-makers who helped nourish the peace process and all the people of Ireland, North and South, nationalist and unionist, who never wavered in their commitment to peace and reconciliation.”

Pictured - John and Pat Hume

Pat Hume said: ” Although John built alliances for peaceful change in Ireland, at Westminster, in Brussels and in Washington DC, he always remained rooted in Derry.

We believe it is right for the people of Derry to have the opportunity to share these peace awards.

It is our intention to give the peace prizes to the Derry and Strabane Council to be exhibited in a public place.”

Pictured - John and Pat Hume

Mayor Brian Tierney said: “It is a huge honour that Pat Hume and the Hume family intend to give these unique peace prizes to the people of Derry.

John Hume was my great hero. He was a true and courageous peace maker who made a huge impact in Derry, on the island and internationally.

As President Clinton rightly said: ‘He was Ireland’s Martin Luther King.’"