Hume mural is unveiled in Bogside

A new mural featuring the Nobel laureate John Hume has been unveiled in the Bogside area of Derry.

The painting by the Bogside Artists also includes images of Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and Mother Theresa.

The mural, on Rossville Street, was unveiled on Friday by the retired Bishop of Derry, Dr Edward Daly.

It is to be the last in the 'People's Gallery', which also includes murals of Bloody Sunday and the hunger strikes.

John Hume said he was "honoured".

"I am especially honoured to be present along with Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa and Nelson Mandela.

"He was a positive, constructive influence on almost everything that happened in Derry in the last 50 years"
Dr Edward Daly on John Hume

"The Bogside is where my roots are - my mother was born in the old streets along here - and it's an area I know very well.

"I didn't ever expect to be here, but I'm very honoured," he said.

The retired Bishop of Derry, Dr Edward Daly, said Mr Hume was a worthy inclusion in the People's Gallery.

"These are four Nobel peace prize winners, and they're all very distinguished in their own particular situation.

"They always championed the little people," he said.

Positive influence

Unveiling the mural, Dr Daly said Mr Hume had significantly influenced life in the city.

"He was a positive, constructive influence on almost everything that happened in Derry in the last 50 years," he said.

"The credit union in Derry, the Derry Housing Action Committee, the Northern Ireland Civil Righs Movement, down to his work on the Sunningdale Agreement and the Good Friday Agreement - his fingerprints are there for all to see.

"His contribution to political and social life here cannot be underestimated," he said.