SDLP councillor Carl Whyte:
 
The impact of John Hume on our society is incalculable and any attempt to condense his activism, his legacy and his life into a few words or sentences seems almost immediately to fail. 
 
Our prayers and condolences today are with his wife Pat, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his wider family. 
 
Although many of us lived through it, I think as time passes, we understand more and more the senselessness and tragedy of the killing and maiming that took place during the Troubles. In my own life, I learned about it all at far too young an age, while not understanding the full impact until many many years later. 
 
John Hume visited St Malachy's College when I was in Sixth year where he spoke directly to us. For me, his vision, which set out how to advance the twin causes of peace and of Ireland - by uniting people, by celebrating our difference and by overcoming the adversity, was an inspiration.  I joined the SDLP soon afterwards and am honoured to have met him, to have canvassed with him and to have campaigned for him and his values. 
 
People are alive today because of the life, work and vision of John Hume.
 
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
 
SDLP Councillor Brian Heading:

John Hume will be remembered for many achievements. 


His work in the Credit Union movement and Civil Rights movement in Derry during the 1960s and his continual emphasising of our political difficulties in Ireland were NOT, as the British insisted in 1969 an internal affair and their sole responsibility. Rather his vision and message of a New Ireland included a European and United States dimension ultimately prevailed over narrow political thinking.


His political vision came to reality as early as 1973 with Britain accepting the Irish Government role in through a Council of Ireland to influencing the United States use its political weight to bear against Britain in the formation of  the Anglo Irish Agreement in 1985 and finally the European Union recognising the Good Friday Agreement as an International Treaty. He was ahead of the political game in Irish politics and led the way for others to follow.