John Hume: a biography
Paul Routledge
Harper Collins 1997
£20.

When I requested a review copy of this book, the receptionist asked if it was adult fiction or a religious imprint. Fiction in biographies of living people is common and John Hume's saint-like status is well-known. So the receptionist set high standards for this third major and authorised biography of one of Europe's longest serving nationalist leaders.
It is a broadly sympathetic but not sycophantic account. Hume, the tireless, stubborn, irritable, "unquestionably Christian," humble, media-friendly, profoundly dutiful "lobbyist par excellence," with powerful connections in Washington and Dublin "is seen, rightly, as a persevering campaigner for a decent society, who does not give up when the going gets rough."
Hume's key catechisms are renowned for he keeps repeating them. Soundbites like "you can't eat a flag" and his concept of post-nationalism in Europe are mainstays of his "single transferable speech." Hume measures its success when he hears the man in the pub using it.
Understanding Hume is vital as the SDLP is a key part of any potential solution and the SDLP is a "one man band," like most Ulster parties.
An understated theme of the biography is the contrast between the young, heretical and modernising Hume, criticising the old Nationalist Party, and the later man. The young Hume insisted that the civil rights movement was for human rights, not against British rule. Hume now strongly advocates an Irish dimension - with powerful institutional expression approaching condominium. This is a big epistemological break.
The SDLP's major contradiction is between its nationalist and its reforming imperatives: broadly represented respectively by Hume and his predecessor as SDLP Leader, Gerry Fitt.
The polarisation of opinion in Northern Ireland is far more advanced than when Hume started. Any successful deal will address an Irish dimension but the areas of goodwill in the North are small. This probably means that a more evolutionary process that maximises co-operation where there are market imperatives and mutual benefit probably stands more chance of success.
Unfortunately, Routledge fails to sufficiently explore these dilemmas for Irish nationalism. Many party members fear that Hume shaking hands with Gerry Adams allows Sinn Fein to take the SDLP by the throat. Routledge is often dismissive of criticisms. My own article about how the Provos discussed but decided against murdering Hume in 1982 is also waved away, although it was broadly backed by republican