“John Hume was a political titan; a visionary who refused to believe the future had to be the same as the past. His contribution to peace in Northern Ireland was epic and he will rightly be remembered for it. He was insistent it was possible, tireless in pursuit of it and endlessly creative in seeking ways of making it happen.
“Beyond that he was a remarkable combination of an open mind to the world and practical politics. In any place, in any party, anywhere, he would have stood tall. It was good fortune that he was born on the island of Ireland.
“I was fortunate to work with John on the Good Friday Agreement, but also to get to know him years before. He influenced my politics in many ways, but his belief in working through differences to find compromise will stay with me forever. My thoughts are with Pat and the rest of his family. He will be greatly missed.”