Madam, - Watching Mr John Hume on the Late Late Show last Friday week, I was humbled by the high esteem in which this man is held outside our country, and rightly so.
However, it was sad that the one politician who owes so much to Mr Hume failed to phone the show and congratulate him - this being Mr Gerry Adams. Were it not for the sacrifices made by Mr Hume to the detriment of his own party, the peace process would be obsolete and Sinn Féin would not be the largest nationalist party in the North.
Since this is the case, perhaps somebody from within Sinn Féin would have the courage to acknowledge Mr Hume's contribution publicly and I'm sure The Irish Times will be willing to accommodate. I wish Mr Hume well in his retirement. - Yours, etc.,
AUSTIN BARRETT, Lagan Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 11.