Former SDLP leader John Hume has announced that he is standing down as an MP and MEP.

Hume, who has been a member of the Westminster parliament since 1983 and of the Brussels body since 1979, made the announcement in a press conference on Wednesday.

Although he had put his name forward for European elections in June, he will now withdraw on health grounds.

"In retiring from my European work, the reason I am doing so is because of medical evidence and medical advice, and the large workload and the amount of travel involved in the European parliament," he said.

"I would like to express my deep appreciation and gratitude to the people of Northern Ireland and to the members of my own party - the SDLP - who stood shoulder to shoulder with me and give me their support over the last 25 years."

Tribute paid

Speaking on the Good Morning Ulster programme ahead of Hume's announcement, fellow SDLP MP Eddie McGrady paid tribute to his work as an MEP.

"If John was to decide, that through whatever reasons he gives at the press conference, that he's not going ahead, I would be personally very sorry to hear that announcement," he said.

"I hope it's not going to be that - I would be very sorry to hear that he is leaving the European scene."

Hume, a founder member of the SDLP and Nobel peace prize winner, became leader in 1979.

The MP for Foyle, he quit the Northern Ireland assembly in 2000 and the SDLP leadership in November 2001, also citing health reasons.

Hume was instrumental in negotiating the 1998 Good Friday agreement having been one of the first senior politicians to open talks with republican Sinn Fein.