He was a ‘truly remarkable politician.’

The people of Cork are invited to sign an online Book of Condolences to mark the passing of Mr. John Hume today, following his death on Monday at the age of 83.

As Mr Hume’s family ask mourners to “light a candle for peace in their homes or at their door” in memory of him tonight at 9pm, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Joe Kavanagh has announced that the Book of Condolences will go live from 12 noon on Tuesday, August 4th, 2020.

“The fulsome tributes to Mr. Hume from right around the world bear testament to his work in achieving peace on this island,” said the Lord Mayor. “That achievement was truly immense and I am honoured as Lord Mayor to open the online Book of Condolences that will enable people to pay their own personal tributes to a truly remarkable and inspirational politician.”

The online Book of Condolences is accessible here.

‘The greatest servant leader of them all’

Mr Hume was granted the Freedom of Cork in 2004 in recognition of his exceptional commitment to the cause of reconciliation and his pivotal role in securing the historic Good Friday Agreement of April 10th, 1998.

Paying tribute to the Nobel Laureate, U2’s Bono shared the following statement together with a pencil illustration of the former SDLP leader on social media:

“Ireland is not a romantic dream; it is not a flag; it is 4.5 million people divided into two powerful traditions. The solution will be found not on the basis of victory for either, but on the basis of agreement and a partnership between both. The real division of Ireland is not a line drawn on the map, but in the minds and hearts of its people.”

“There goes the greatest servant leader of them all… RIP John Hume”

There goes the greatest servant leader of them all… RIP John Hume pic.twitter.com/x5IGyAxdRK

— U2 (@U2) August 3, 2020