John Hume’s wife Pat wil speak about the origins of the SDLP as it celebrates its 45 anniversary
PAT Hume, the wife of former SDLP leader and one of its founding fathers, John Hume, will talk this week about the origins of the party and its troubles along the road to peace.
She is one of a number of people who have been interviewed as part of a series to mark the 45th anniversary of the founding of the SDLP.
Her 78-year-old husband John led the SDLP from 1979 until 2001 and was also MP for Derry’s Foyle constituency.
Others will speak out in the series include former deputy leader and one-time Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon.
He was right hand man to John Hume throughout the Troubles, through negotiations with Sinn Fein and into the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.
Others who will give a talk about the history of the SDLP include Sean Farren and Dr Joe Hendron.
Launching the commemorative series, the SDLP leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell MP said, “One of the proudest moments of my life was when I was elected to represent the party and to now be its leader is both a privilege and immense responsibility.
“These videos remind us of why the SDLP came into being and the political and personal obstacles overcome by its representatives, who stood up for peace and for people in the north when others did not.
“I think it’s a fitting tribute to those who went before us and those who work now to uphold the SDLP’s name and honour the reason why it was established in August 1970.”
In the first week a video will be uploaded each day showcasing a variety of themes in the SDLP’s history – the party’s origins, troubled times, the road to peace and momentous occasions.
The videos will be available for viewing on the party’s website and links will be uploaded on the social media pages.
The party says it will continue to post videos throughout the year featuring members and supporters from right across the party, and right across Ireland.
