MEPs gave John Hume (Northern Ireland, PES) a standing ovation last week in Strasbourg as they congratulated him on his award of the Nobel Peace Prize. There was praise too for David Trimble, the other Nobel Laureate. A series of speakers from all parties applauded Mr Hume's work for peace over a period of 30 years and expressed the hope that the award would further the peace process in Northern Ireland.
Mary Banotti (Dublin, EPP) expressed her "great joy and pride" at the unique honour that had been bestowed on Mr Hume and Mr Trimble. Pat the Cope Gallagher (Connacht/Ulster) stated that he had been overwhelmed on hearing of the award, while Pat Cox (Munster, ELDR) stated that the award was well merited for Mr Hume's consistency and courage over many long and trying years.
Mr Hume stressed that it was not simply a personal award but a powerful expression of international support for peace. It would strengthen the will of the people of Northern Ireland to reach a settlement. He thanked the EU for its support for the peace process over the years. Its programme for peace and reconciliation, he believed, could serve as an example in other areas of conflict. He also stressed that he had drawn great inspiration from the example of the European Parliament and the evidence of co-operation between former enemies such as Germany and France. The EU, he concluded, was the best example of conflict resolution as it allowed respect for difference and diversity.