John Hume retired from politics more than a decade ago but he remains a revered figure in all parts of Ireland.
Mr Hume made a central contribution towards the search for peace and reconciliation throughout his time in public life, from his earliest days in the civil rights movement up to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.
Although the former SDLP leader has suffered from memory problems in recent years, he is still held in the utmost esteem by figures like Bill Clinton, Tony Blair and president Michael D Higgins.
The tributes they paid to Mr Hume on his 80th birthday yesterday were richly deserved and will be endorsed by ordinary citizens in all sections of society.
