For the past couple of days, John Hume has more often been compared to Daniel O’Connell and Charles Stewart Parnell than any other Irish leader. It may be vulgar to compare historical figures. But I honestly believe that in the year 2120, academia in Ireland will give greater emphasis to Hume’s contribution than that of O’Connell or Parnell. Yes, I acknowledge their enormous contribution. But their big-house wealth and privilege gave them an enormous advantage over poor Catholics in 1950s Derry. John Hume shared a two-bedroomed terrace house in the Bogside with his parents and six younger siblings. My imagination…

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