Tributes paid as Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume celebrates 80th birthday

Tributes are being paid to John Hume as he celebrates his 80th birthday.

The former SDLP leader was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1998 alongside David Trimble "for their efforts in working towards a peaceful solution to the conflict in Northern Ireland".

He served the Foyle constituency in a number of roles including at Westminster and the European Parliament until his retirement in 2004.

Warmest best wishes to John Hume, Pat & family today on his 80th Birthday. #Enjoy

— Martin McGuinness (@M_McGuinness_SF) January 18, 2017

Irish President Michael D Higgins has described him "as a man of courage" as well as a "dedicated and visionary peacemaker".

“In so many ways, John was the moral architect of an inclusive peace process that delivered the Good Friday Agreement of 1998.

“At a time when both the European Union and Northern Ireland face particular challenges, the values that John espoused – equality, respect, solidarity and partnership – are needed more than ever.”

President Michael D. Higgins has written to John Hume, congratulating him on his 80th birthday, today. pic.twitter.com/qkIo3ngBaH

— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) January 18, 2017

His successor, Foyle MP Mark Durkan, has described him as a champion of “solidarity, social justice, human rights, economic priority and international cohesion”.

“When the violence and intransigence of others was wounding hope and ruining lives, John stood up to keep the hope of peace and democratic sharing alive,” he added.

“People can write memoirs that put them at the centre of the peace process, at the centre of agreement and breakthrough, but it was John Hume who drew the map, wrote the plan and led the way.

 “In the uncertainty and recrimination of this week, questionable political standards and the wider anxieties and prejudices surrounding ‘Brexit moves’ and Trumpism, it is timely to celebrate a man who Seamus Heaney said “Always stood in the indicative”.

Today we salute John Hume as he celebrates his 80th Birthday. We acknowledge & appreciate your life's work for peace. Thank you John. pic.twitter.com/xVzndwUH6E

— Charlie Flanagan (@CharlieFlanagan) January 18, 2017

Leader of the SDLP, Colum Eastwood, praised him for dedicating his life to “peace and progress”.

“In a week dominated by the collapse of our institutions and the prospect of Brexit, we would all do well to return to John's values and vision of co-operation and mutual respect in Ireland and in Europe”, he said.

“Like everyone in Derry, I would like to wish John the happiest of birthdays and wish himself and Pat rest and happiness in the time ahead.”