Hume's Power-Sharing Motion Passes at Cambridge Union

On November 4, 1975, SDLP deputy leader John Hume proposed at the Cambridge Union that power sharing is essential for Northern Ireland’s government. Supported by UPNI leader Brian Faulkner and opposed by Rev Martyn Smyth and John Laird, the motion passed 422–63. Hume argued power sharing counters sectarian divisions and questioned applying traditional majority rule to Northern Ireland.