Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)

It is a great privilege on behalf of Seanad Éireann to welcome Mr. John Hume, MEP, to the House. He is a man in whose presence we take great joy and it is humbling to seek words to introduce a man who, among a lifetime of achievements and remarkable public service to the ideals of justice and democratic government, was co-recipient of the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1998.

The greatest gift we enjoy as humans is that of speech and throughout his distinguished life he has used his gift of speech to ceaselessly communicate a vision for a society whose political and religious wounds cried out for healing. Undaunted by setbacks, of which there were many, he strove continually and untiringly and with extraordinary patience and insight to speak truth and justice. In an imperfect world, he never lost faith in the integrity of his vision or his hope for a new dawn in Northern Ireland politics. We congratulate him on his steadfastness over the many decades of turmoil, the deepest pain and near despair. We have been inspired and uplifted by his example and gentle voice — always seeking to plant seeds of hope and reconciliation, most notably at those times when all seemed lost.

It was therefore with considerable sadness that we heard of his decision to retire from active politics. I take this opportunity to wish Mr. Hume a lengthy and fulfilling retirement. John Hume's life is a living testament to the noblest dimensions of the human heart in its search for peace and justice. Truly he honours us and this House by accepting our invitation to join us today. It gives me great pleasure to formally invite Mr. John Hume, MEP, to address this House.