Hume calls on SDLP to stand firm against intolerance in final address

Hume address: Mr John Hume welcomed the conference back to Derry for the first time since 1990 and expressed confidence his …

Hume address: Mr John Hume welcomed the conference back to Derry for the first time since 1990 and expressed confidence his Westminster seat would be retained by his successor.

"I address you for the last time as the member of Parliament for Foyle," he said.

"The next time, Mark Durkan, will represent this city. There is no better man and I know the people will stand shoulder to shoulder with Mark. They need a man who will work for Derry and to fight our corner." Derry was a very different place now than it was 15 years ago and was more prosperous and peaceful, he said.

"I am naturally proud of this party," Mr Hume added. "We have changed people's lives for the better." However, he said that despite substantial progress the Good Friday agreement was in trouble and the political process, voted for by the entire people of Ireland, was being frustrated. The electorate throughout Ireland had voted for peace, and for an end to violence and criminal activity.

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The SDLP had consistently stood against violence for more than 30 years, he said. "Violence deepens division and strengthens barriers." He said the Belfast Agreement reflected party policy since the early 1970s. Powersharing at executive level was party policy, the all-Ireland dimension was party policy and the three strands involving the North, the island of Ireland and relationships with Britain was party policy.

These were achievements which should make the party proud, he said.

Returning to a familiar theme, Mr Hume called on the SDLP always to stand firm against intolerance.

"It is the inability to respect difference that sows the seeds of conflict, not just here but anywhere in the world," he said.

"My time as a public representative may nearly be up," he added. "But if you continue to stand firm with the people and remain firm, then indeed we shall overcome."