TEARS OF JOY AT AWARD
Tears of joy at award
Hume greets media after historic news
By Enda McClafferty
JOHN Hume was at home in Derry when news of the historic award finally came through.
Within minutes, cameras were seen flashing inside the house and there were loud cheers as the news filtered through to supporters outside.
As the door of the house was opened for photographers Mr Hume's wife, Pat, could be seen wiping tears from her eyes as she broke the news to other members of the family on the phone.
Among the first that she called was the couple's youngest daughter, Maureen, in San Salvador.
Moments later a visibly relieved Mr Hume emerged with his wife to greet the reporters who had camped on his doorstep.
Joking, as he stood in the rain, he told how he had not slept all night.
"I never slept a wink all night so you'll have to forgive me for looking so tired," he explained.
After receiving congratulations from his neighbours. Mr Hume made the short journey to the Foyle Art Centre for the launch of a new economic strategy for Derry.
Within seconds of his arrival the Foyle MP was swamped by up to 200 press and photographers.
Inside, at a hastily arranged press conference Mr Hume told of his delight at receiving the prestigious award.
He said the award represented a powerful endorsement of the peace process and would help bring nationalists and Unionists together.
"This is an expression of the total endorsement of the efforts of all those, including the two governments, who have helped bring peace to our streets.
"This is not a personal award to David Trimble or myself, it is a recognition of all that has been achieved in Northern Ireland.
"I believe that the award will also strengthen the bond between our communities as it shows the international goodwill that exists towards Northern Ireland".
Commenting on the exclusion of Gerry Adams from the award Mr Hume said that, that was a matter for the Nobel Institute.
On a lighter note, the Foyle MP said he had no idea how he was going to spend the �300,000 that accompanied the award.
After enquiring as to whether the reporter who asked the question was Scottish, he said: "to be honest I don't even know how much I'm going to get never mind what I'm going to do with it".
Later Pat Hume spoke of her family's delight at her husband's achievement.
Hume greets media after historic news
By Enda McClafferty
JOHN Hume was at home in Derry when news of the historic award finally came through.
Within minutes, cameras were seen flashing inside the house and there were loud cheers as the news filtered through to supporters outside.
As the door of the house was opened for photographers Mr Hume's wife, Pat, could be seen wiping tears from her eyes as she broke the news to other members of the family on the phone.
Among the first that she called was the couple's youngest daughter, Maureen, in San Salvador.
Moments later a visibly relieved Mr Hume emerged with his wife to greet the reporters who had camped on his doorstep.
Joking, as he stood in the rain, he told how he had not slept all night.
"I never slept a wink all night so you'll have to forgive me for looking so tired," he explained.
After receiving congratulations from his neighbours. Mr Hume made the short journey to the Foyle Art Centre for the launch of a new economic strategy for Derry.
Within seconds of his arrival the Foyle MP was swamped by up to 200 press and photographers.
Inside, at a hastily arranged press conference Mr Hume told of his delight at receiving the prestigious award.
He said the award represented a powerful endorsement of the peace process and would help bring nationalists and Unionists together.
"This is an expression of the total endorsement of the efforts of all those, including the two governments, who have helped bring peace to our streets.
"This is not a personal award to David Trimble or myself, it is a recognition of all that has been achieved in Northern Ireland.
"I believe that the award will also strengthen the bond between our communities as it shows the international goodwill that exists towards Northern Ireland".
Commenting on the exclusion of Gerry Adams from the award Mr Hume said that, that was a matter for the Nobel Institute.
On a lighter note, the Foyle MP said he had no idea how he was going to spend the �300,000 that accompanied the award.
After enquiring as to whether the reporter who asked the question was Scottish, he said: "to be honest I don't even know how much I'm going to get never mind what I'm going to do with it".
Later Pat Hume spoke of her family's delight at her husband's achievement.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0672
Published Date: 16-Oct-98
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