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A cross-Border university in memory of the late SDLP leader and Nobel Laureate John Hume has been proposed.<\/p>\nA cross-Border university in memory of the late SDLP leader and Nobel Laureate John Hume has been proposed.<\/p>\n
The 83-year-old, celebrated across the world as a peace maker, died last week following a long battle with illness.<\/p>\n
Fine Gael TD Colm Burke has suggested the creation of a John Hume memorial university with campuses on both sides of the Irish Border in Derry and Donegal.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe establishment of a university in memory of John Hume would be a fitting tribute to him given his dedication to creating a brighter future of the young people of this island,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is also great potential for a cross-Border university incorporating the existing colleges of higher education in the region into the structures of the university.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese could include the Magee campus of the Ulster University, the Institutes of Technology in Letterkenny & Sligo, and the North West Regional College in Northern Ireland. The educational, social and economic benefits of a full university in the North West of Ireland are compelling.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Burke said such a university could attract significant funding from across the world, as Mr Hume was held in high esteem in both the United States and the European Union.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn Institute of Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies could be a major element in the new university, which over time could make a major contribution to solving complex political conflicts around the world,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
During his life Mr Hume had campaigned for a university in Derry.<\/p>\n
The city is currently home to the Magee campus of the Ulster University.<\/p>\n
Mr Burke added: \u201cIt would be a fitting memorial to John Hume\u2019s life and his contribution to this island if the Irish Government, the Northern Ireland Executive and the British Government agreed to the establishment of a full university in Derry, serving the North and North West of Ireland.<\/p>\n
\u201cA university based in Derry named after John Hume would a fitting memorial to a man who made an historic contribution to peace and to Irish history.\u201d<\/p>\n