The leader of the SDLP, Mr John Hume, has become a freeman of the town he loves so well, having being awarded the Freedom of the City of Derry last night.
The ceremony was held in Derry's Guildhall chamber, the room which was once the powerbase for the political gerrymandering of the city by the former ruling Unionist Party. The gerrymandering of electoral wards was one of the reasons Mr Hume became politically active 30 years ago.
In becoming the 40th person to receive the award, Mr Hume said that even in his youth he was left of centre. "In my younger days, I was the senior left arm spin bowler for City of Derry cricket team," he told a packed chamber.
"It is a very great honour to have the representatives of the different sections of our people making this award to me. I am very moved and very honoured because I am first and foremost a Derryman. I am totally overwhelmed by it all," he said.
Among the numerous messages of congratulations read out was one from President Clinton. "I am delighted that your hard work and personal sacrifice over the past three decades will be appropriately recognised on your native soil. Hillary joins me in honouring you and Pat on this joyful occasion," the message said.
In conferring the award, the mayor, SDLP councillor Mr Pat Ramsey described Mr Hume as someone who was always hopeful. "He has never wavered from his belief that violence is wrong and that it is better to live for what you believe in than to die or to kill for what you believe in." Tributes were also paid to Mr Hume by Sinn Fein, Ulster Unionist and Independent Unionist spokespersons.
The Sinn Fein chairman, Mr Mitchel McLaughlin, said the SDLP leader deserved the award. "Whatever one's views of John Hume's politics, no matter on what side of the political spectrum you would be, you have to recognise the work that this man has done on behalf of all of the people of Derry," he said.
Ulster Unionist alderman Mr Richard Dallas said that unlike the DUP councillors who boycotted the ceremony, his party believed Mr Hume was a worthy recipient of the award. "We decided to attend because of the hard work John Hume has done for the people of Londonderry in bringing inward investment into the city and of raising the profile of Londonderry ab road. We also recognise the work he has done to help the image of the Apprentice Boys and his help in terms of the general acceptance of the Apprentice Boys' culture and tradition," he said.