Don Lydon (Fianna Fail)

Half these tributes should go to his wonderful wife. John Hume also has a wonderful gift, which is the ability to bring people together. He will recall Burntollet Bridge and years ago one could not imagine David Trimble and Gerry Adams even talking to one another. However, they are at the stage they are at because John Hume constantly and gently persuaded them over time. There was no bullying or threats as he took them along step by step and kept saying violence was wrong and the only path forward was through peace. I congratulate him and thank him for attending.