Tributes have been paid to John Hume, one of the founders and former leader of the SDLP and one of the main architects of the peace process in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Hume, who had battled dementia in recent years passed away on Monday at the age of 83.

The former senior SDLP politician and MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Tommy Gallagher, who worked side by side with the Derryman said it was “a very sad day”.

“Politicians of John Hume’s vision and ability come along so seldom that all of us who have lived through his time in politics have witnessed the achievements of an outstanding, courageous and visionary leader. Throughout his career he dedicated himself to the pursuit of peace, social justice and reconciliation.

“It was a very special privilege for me to work very closely with him as part of the SDLP team during all the various peace talks and then during the negotiations that led to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

“He was the one during all the years of the troubles who bravely articulated a vision for a shared Ireland and he also worked ceaselessly to bring about a future based on justice and respect for all.

“His qualities and principles earned him respect on the world stage and gained the support of world leaders particularly in the USA and Europe.

“He was a committed European who embraced the vision of the founding fathers of the European Union, who saw social and economic cooperation as the way to bring about an end to the conflicts and wars which had dogged European history and culminated in the deaths destruction and holocaust of the second world war.”

Mr. Gallagher said in Ireland the changed circumstances today for all, especially for young people, are without doubt due to the foundations he envisaged and articulated over so many decades.

“On a personal level he was warm and witty and I fondly remember him, for being very supportive and caring during the many difficult and dangerous years when I was an SDLP colleague.

“Our thoughts are with his wife Pat, his family and his many friends. May he rest in peace.”

An online book of condolence was opened by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council on Tuesday for people to pay their respects to Mr. Hume.

SDLP Councillor and Vice-chair of the Council, John Coyle described Mr. Hume as a “real stalwart of peace” who will never be forgotten within Northern Ireland or the island of Ireland.

“He was a true peacemaker, a man of great integrity and had respect from both sides of the community and we as a community are really saddened to learn that he has passed away.

“I got into politics because of people like John Hume and Seamus Mallon, two that we have lost within the year, and it is about trying to make people’s lives better, it’s about being honest and about having integrity.

“They were an inspiration for so many. I don’t think we will ever see that on the island of Ireland.

“He is just a true statesman and he is respected all over the world for what he has done for our small island.

“On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council I wish to express my deepest condolences to Pat and the Hume family circle at this time.”

John Hume’s funeral was held yesterday, Wednesday August 5 at St. Eugene’s Cathedral, Creggan Street, Derry.