The President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola has unveiled a bust of John Hume. In her speech, she praised John Hume for his commitment for peace.
© European Union | European Parliament President Roberta Metsola unveiling the bust of John Hume
Ladies and gentlemen,
Throughout his life, John Hume was inspired by the theme of reconciliation of the City of Strasbourg.
In speaking at the European Parliament, about the process of brokering peace in Northern Ireland, he said that: “What we are actually doing is following the example of this very city where we stand”.
In remembering the devastation left across Europe in 1945 with Strasbourg at its epicentre, John added: “Who could have forecast then, that we would have an entirely new Europe today, in which we stand together while respecting our differences.”
As President of the European Parliament, I can tell you, that these words have such profound meaning, when I chair a European democratic assembly that brings elected representatives from across 27 different Members States together to dialogue in peace, in one place.
For John Hume, the city of Strasbourg was “a symbol of hope.” But beyond that, he believed in the benefits that this House could bring - as they did - to the people in his community and to all Europeans. Effectively and astutely, he used the European Parliament precisely for the purpose it was created: “to work our common ground”, as he put it and to “respect our differences”.
A publication including John Hume’s most notable interventions during his time as EP Member is available here. In reading through extracts from his speeches, I was most struck by the constructive dialogue of reconciliation that John Hume was able to nurture in this House between representatives of all sides during “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland. As though the European Parliament itself served as Ombudsman or as a House for mediation.
And here, let me salute all the work conducted by my predecessor, Former President of the European Parliament and current President of the Jean Monnet Foundation Mr Pat COX, who tirelessly puts diplomacy and mediation at centre stage of all business and continues to stand up for democracy support around the world, especially in Ukraine ever since 2014.
Whether debating with protestant MEPs from Northern Ireland or with UK MEPs during the Troubles, John Hume embodied the need for constructive and peaceful dialogue in this European Parliament.
He stated that to broker peace, “the most difficult step was to create the conditions for dialogue”.
Respecting difference and bringing differences together, to sit together, at the same negotiating table - there lies the challenge.
John Hume firmly believed, as we do, that democracy and dialogue would lead to peace. He believed in humankind.
In his words: “Difference is the essence of humanity. Difference should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace: respect for diversity.”
These words are a guiding principle even today.
As peace talks progressed favourably in the 1990’s around Northern Ireland, John Hume was adamant that "there can be no turning back".
A reminder to our generation of the importance of safeguarding the Good Friday Agreement of which John Hume - together with all protagonists concerned - was instrumental in hammering out.
It is therefore no surprise, that John Hume was co-recipient of the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize together with David Trimble. In 1999, he was decorated Officer of the Legion D'Honneur, the highest order of merit of the French Republic.
As Bloomsday approaches next week, and as this year marks 100 years since the publication of the world famous masterpiece “Ulysses” by James Joyce, let us note that John Hume also received the James Joyce Award that lauds those who have achieved outstanding success - as John Hume did - in their given field.
He received so many decorations from across the world. While it is our collective responsibility to remember not to take for granted: the gift of peace today.
In this respect, I would like to praise the ongoing work of the John and Pat Hume foundation for peace and reconciliation. It was launched in 2020 to commemorate the outstanding contributions made by both John and Pat Hume to their local communities but more generally to other areas in the world of conflict.
“Let us not forget that the European Union is the best example, as we have learned, in the history of the world of conflict resolution.”
And on that last quote from John Hume, the Taoiseach and I will now jointly unveil the sculptor of a great man who forever does this European House of Democracy proud.
Thank you.