By Sean Kelly

John Hume almost quit politics the year before the Good Friday Agreement.

The Nobel Laureate and former SDLP leader went as far as to type up a letter of resignation in 1997, according to a new book by BBC Journalist Stephen Walker.

Following a period of mounting criticism, John Hume faced a crisis, which had to be talked through with his close ally Mark Durkan. It was a situation Walker describes as a ‘role reversal’.

It is one of many revelations included in the new book John Hume: The Persuader. Stephen Walker discussed the biography at an event at the Waterside Theatre in Derry this weekend. He was interviewed by BBC NI’s Political Correspondent Enda McClafferty.

The book’s publishers, Gill Publishing, had previously worked with Hume in the hopes of producing a memoir. Although the book never materialized, Gill had 25 unpublished interviews with Hume in their archives.

These formed the basis of the book, alongside 75 other interviews conducted by Walker with various family members, friends, and political allies and opponents.

Other revelations included President Mary McAleese said she believed that the presidency was ‘there for the taking’ for Hume if he wanted it.

Hume’s family, however, believe he did not want it, a view shared by Walker.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood described the book as “…very comprehensive. It’s the best biography of Hume. And probably the right time to do it.”

“Earlier would have been too early and people were freer to speak. I think Stephens’ done a fantastic job.”

John Hume: The Persuader by Stephen Walker is available now.