Meaning: The quote provided is from John Hume, a prominent politician who played a crucial role in the peace process in Northern Ireland. This quote sheds light on the electoral system that was in place in the city, where the population was divided into electoral wards. The specific focus of the quote is on the unequal representation of the Catholic population in the city council.

In this quote, Hume is referring to a situation where the city is divided into three electoral wards, and one of these wards is predominantly inhabited by the Catholic population, which constitutes 70 percent of the people in that ward. Despite the significant majority of the Catholic population in this ward, they are only able to elect eight representatives to the city council. This indicates a clear disparity in the representation of the Catholic community in the city council, as their substantial majority in one ward does not translate to proportional representation in the council.

John Hume was a key figure in the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland and a staunch advocate for equality and fair representation for the Catholic community. Throughout his political career, he consistently highlighted the injustices and inequalities faced by the Catholic population in the region, particularly in areas such as electoral representation.

The quote reflects the discriminatory nature of the electoral system at the time, where despite the significant presence of the Catholic population in a particular ward, their ability to influence the city council's decisions and policies is limited due to the unequal distribution of representatives. This lack of proportional representation perpetuated the marginalization of the Catholic community and contributed to the broader social and political tensions in Northern Ireland.

Hume's efforts to address these issues were instrumental in paving the way for reforms that sought to create a more inclusive and representative political system. His advocacy for civil rights and equality played a pivotal role in the eventual progress towards a more equitable electoral framework in Northern Ireland.

This quote serves as a reminder of the historical challenges faced by marginalized communities in the region and the significance of advocating for fair and inclusive political representation. It also underscores the enduring legacy of leaders like John Hume, who worked tirelessly to confront systemic injustices and promote a vision of a more just and harmonious society in Northern Ireland.

In conclusion, John Hume's quote encapsulates the struggles and aspirations of the Catholic community in Northern Ireland for fair representation and equal participation in the political processes of the city. It reflects the broader context of historical injustices and the ongoing efforts to address them, while also highlighting the pivotal role played by individuals like Hume in advancing the cause of civil rights and equality.