Mr President, earlier this week in this House, we discussed and were virtually harmonious in our expressions of pleasure and our hope for peace in Northern Ireland. During that debate much was said about the courage, the vision and the fortitude of one man in particular - we are especially privileged that he is a Member of this House: our very good colleague John Hume, who is sitting here with us.

Last night in its group meeting the Socialist Group decided unanimously and by acclamation to nominate John Hume for the Nobel peace prize. I would like to ask this House and other groups in the House to join with us in that nomination, because there is no doubt whatsoever that John Hume has made an enormous contribution to what we now see as the most positive opportunity for peace in Northern Ireland. His courage and that of his family, who have been subjected to personal abuse, to personal attack, has never been in doubt. He has endured that very difficult time with immense courage and immense fortitude, to the point where now the people of Northern Ireland can see some prospect of peace and a prosperous future for themselves, their children and their families.

We in the Socialist Group would be delighted if any other group in this House would associate itself with our nomination of John Hume for the Nobel peace prize.