John Hume

“Let's work together and build a new Ireland... which will be a shared Ireland, an Ireland for all, an Ireland of which we can all be proud.”

“The real division of Ireland is not a line drawn on the map, but in the minds and hearts of its people.”

“All conflict is about difference, whether the difference is race, religion or nationality.”

“We should not be seeking to have a victory over anyone. We should be seeking to have an accommodation with our neighbours.”

“The answer to difference is to respect it. Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace: respect for diversity.”

“Difference is of the essence of humanity. Difference is an accident of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict.”

“In our divided society, we must spill our sweat, not our blood.”

“You can't eat a flag.”

“The basis of peace and stability, in any society, has to be the fullest respect for the human rights of all its people.”

“We are all different, which is great because we are all unique. Without diversity, life would be very boring.”

“Violence has to be rejected totally, and the arms race has to be rejected in favour of a race for human development.”