John Hume quits as SDLP leader
John Hume is quitting as leader of Northern Ireland's Social Democratic and Labour Party.
Stormont sources say the 64-year-old Foyle MP is preparing to announce he is resigning as leader of the moderate nationalist party.
Mr Hume has been leader of the SDLP since 1979 when he succeeded Gerry Fitt, now Lord Fitt.
He has been a member of the European Parliament since 1979 and the MP for Foyle, which comprises the city of Derry since 1983 - receiving 50.2% of the votes in the constituency at the last General Election.
The veteran nationalist politician, who first came to prominence in the 1960s as a leader of the Catholic civil rights movement, is credited with having kick started the peace process through talks in 1988 with Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams.
He received the Nobel Peace Prize in December 1998 alongside Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement earlier that year.
Last year, Mr Hume stood down from the Northern Ireland Assembly due to a heavy workload and concerns about his health.
He is the second leader of a Northern Ireland party to resign in the last fortnight. Sean Neeson stood down as leader of the cross community Alliance Party.
Mr Hume's resignation poses the SDLP with a dilemma over who shall succeed him. Acting Stormont Deputy First Minister and SDLP deputy leader Seamus Mallon will be considered a strong successor.
South Down MP Eddie McGrady and Stormont Agriculture Minister Brid Rodgers will also be regarded as possible candidates.
