Nobel Peace Prize Favourite John Hume in Northern Ireland When Winner is Announced

SDLP leader John Hume is a strong favourite to win the Nobel Peace Prize for his tireless efforts to bring peace to Northern Ireland. Despite speculation that he may share the award with Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble and Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, sources close to Hume's party suggest that the Norwegian embassy in London has requested biographical information on him in advance of the announcement in Oslo. Hume will be in Northern Ireland when the winner is announced at 10am, while Trimble and Adams are currently abroad on separate engagements.

Key Takeaways:

  • John Hume is a strong favourite to win the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on the Northern Ireland peace process.
  • Nominations for the prize had to be submitted by February 1, before the Good Friday Agreement was signed on April 10.
  • Hume was nominated by socialist members of the European Parliament, while Trimble and Adams may be ruled out due to a late nomination deadline.
  • The Norwegian embassy in London requested biographical information on Hume in advance of the announcement.
  • Hume's party received no similar request for biographical information from the Ulster Unionists or Sinn Fein, suggesting a strong possibility of a solo award.
  • The Nobel Peace Prize comes with a prize money of over £500,000.
  • Norway's NTB news agency has sent its London-based correspondent to Northern Ireland ahead of the announcement, suggesting a strong interest in the outcome.

Statistics:

  • Nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize had to be submitted by February 1.
  • The Good Friday Agreement was signed on April 10.
  • The prize money for the Nobel Peace Prize is over £500,000.
  • The Norwegian embassy in London requested biographical information on John Hume in advance of the announcement.
  • John Hume has been twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize prior to this third nomination.

Sources:

  • The Times
  • NTB news agency
  • The SDLP