The SDLP faithful turned out in strength in Belfast last night to celebrate the 30-year political career of party leader and Nobel laureate Mr John Hume. The Europa Hotel was the venue for what was described as a gala "bash".
The emphasis was on "nostalgia and crack" rather than the often depressing stuff of Northern politics as colleagues and friends of Mr Hume gathered to reminisce on his career and the SDLP's 29-year history. Founder members of the party were present, including Mr Ivan Cooper, Fine Gael TD Mr Austin Currie and Mr Paddy O'Hanlon. Apologies were received from Mr Paddy Devlin and former SDLP leader Lord Fitt.
More than 400 people attended the reception and dinner including the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs, Mr Ahern, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms Liz O'Donnell.
Ms O'Donnell praised Mr Hume's political ingenuity in devising a political plan that brought Sinn Fein into the political equation and ultimately led to the Belfast Agreement. She said Mr Hume had won respect right across the "political board". His analysis had proved correct and she was delighted to be attending the gala in his honour.
Music was supplied by the McCafferty singers from Derry and Belfast vocalist Brian Kennedy.
Ms Gerry Cosgrove, the SDLP general secretary, said the party wanted to celebrate and honour Mr Hume's achievements. "The 30-year career of John Hume has been characterised by courage, conviction and vision," she said.
"He has been instrumental in perhaps every positive development in the long and difficult history of the Troubles, and is widely regarded as the principal architect of the Good Friday agreement," she said. "This function was to say thank you for that courage and vision."
The Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, apologised for being unable to attend. In a message she praised Mr Hume for his single-minded determination in pursuing the "goal of peace".
Among the speakers were Mr Cooper, the SDLP deputy leader and Deputy First Minister, Mr Seamus Mallon, and Mr Ahern. Mr Hume was accompanied by his wife, Pat.
