John Hume has officially resigned his seat in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

The resignation was not a surprise as the leader of the SDLP has not enjoyed good health - brought on by the strain of his work in the Northern Ireland peace process. He had always maintained that he would step down once the assembly had become established.

His decision was announced by the speaker of the assembly, Lord Alderdice, on Monday. Hume is expected to remain in Westminster as MP for Foyle and to continue his work as a member of the European Parliament. Annie Courtney, a Foyle councillor is expected to take up his seat.

The former school teacher was a key figure in establishing the Assembly. He held talks with Gerry Adams and helped broker the Downing Street declaration and IRA ceasefire. His efforts to secure the "Yes" vote in the referendum led him to jointly win the Nobel peace prize with David Trimble.