The John and Pat Hume Foundation is calling on all politicians in Northern Ireland to sign up to a “civility pledge” to promote greater respect and dignity in politics.
Established to develop the legacy of the late Mr Hume and his wife, Pat, the foundation is launching the pledge along with the Glencree Centre of Peace and Reconciliation.
Through the pledge, all political representatives are urged to “uphold and promote the concept of ethical political discourse” in their work and to be honest and fact-based when expressing views.
Politicians are also urged to be “fully respectful of the identities, dignity, equality and human rights of all people” and to be kind, tolerant and respectful in debate.
Foundation chair Dawn Purvis said difference and respectful debate was essential in a free society.
Ms Purvis said: “Difference in political discourse is too often perceived and experienced as negative, acrimonious, partisan and polarising as some politicians, their followers and opponents engage in hostile rhetoric.
“We believe that it is important that we collectively promote a respectful and ethical political discourse which inspires confidence in the political process and furthers reconciliation and democracy.”
Keynote speakers at the launch include Ms Purvis and Sue Moore, chief executive of the Jo Cox Foundation, established following the 2016 murder of the British Labour MP.
The pledge will be launched at the Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast on Tuesday at noon. The foundation and Glencree Centre will also meet assembly speaker Edwin Poots at Stormont, also on Tuesday.
