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:
