Potential for a cross border university to serve the north and north west

The creation of a John Hume Memorial University in Derry would be a fitting tribute to a man who made an historic contribution to peace and to Irish history, Fine Gael TD Colm Burke has said.

Deputy Burke said, “The 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.

“There 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. These 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.

“Given the level of national and international goodwill for John Hume, such a university could attract widespread support and significant funding in Ireland, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States and elsewhere around the world. An 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.

“In 1965 the decision to establish Northern Ireland’s second university in Coleraine, not in Derry, was motivated by political and sectarian considerations. Hume had been a strong campaigner for a university in Derry. Had the right decision been made on the location of the university, events in Northern Ireland might have taken a different path. However, the rigged system was not prepared to change in the face of peaceful protest and violence followed.

“It is never too late to right a wrong. The campaign for a full university in Derry continues to this day. It would be a fitting memorial to John Hume’s 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.

“A 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.” Deputy Burke concluded.