Death of '˜remarkable' Ulster politician Martin McGuinness, 66

Former Northern Ireland deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness has died aged 66 after a short illness.The Sinn Fein veteran was diagnosed with a rare heart condition at the end of last year.
Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness, who has died aged 66.Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness, who has died aged 66.
Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness, who has died aged 66.

He died in hospital overnight in his hometown of Londonderry surrounded by family members.

Mr McGuinness’s last major act as a politician was to pull down the powersharing executive at Stormont when he resigned as deputy first minister in January in protest at the Democratic Unionists’ handling of a green energy scandal.

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Ten days later, showing signs of physical frailty, he announced his retirement from front line politics.

Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness, who has died aged 66.Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness, who has died aged 66.
Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness, who has died aged 66.

Mr McGuinness was a former IRA leader in Derry who went on to play a pivotal role in the peace process.

His remarkable journey from gunman to statesman saw him shake hands with the Queen and forge an unlikely friendship with erstwhile foe Ian Paisley.

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Mr McGuinness, who lived in the Bogside area of Derry his whole life, is survived by his wife Bernie and four children.

Martin McGuinness at a Co-operation Ireland reception, with a portrait of the Queen by artist Colin Davidson.Martin McGuinness at a Co-operation Ireland reception, with a portrait of the Queen by artist Colin Davidson.
Martin McGuinness at a Co-operation Ireland reception, with a portrait of the Queen by artist Colin Davidson.

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams paid tribute to his lifelong friend.

“Throughout his life Martin showed great determination, dignity and humility and it was no different during his short illness,” he said.

“He was a passionate republican who worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the reunification of his country.

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“But above all he loved his family and the people of Derry and he was immensely proud of both.”

Martin McGuinness, leading Sinn Fein negotiator in the peace process, attending a news conference in the House of Commons, London, with Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn to his right.Martin McGuinness, leading Sinn Fein negotiator in the peace process, attending a news conference in the House of Commons, London, with Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn to his right.
Martin McGuinness, leading Sinn Fein negotiator in the peace process, attending a news conference in the House of Commons, London, with Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn to his right.

Prime Minister Theresa May said Mr McGuinness “played a defining role” in leading the Republican movement away from violence.

“First and foremost, my thoughts are with the family of Martin McGuinness at this sad time,” she said.

“While I can never condone the path he took in the earlier part of his life, Martin McGuinness ultimately played a defining role in leading the republican movement away from violence.

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“In doing so, he made an essential and historic contribution to the extraordinary journey of Northern Ireland from conflict to peace.”

Martin McGuinnessMartin McGuinness
Martin McGuinness

Former prime minister Tony Blair said the peace process would not have been possible without the “leadership and courage” shown by Mr McGuinness.

“Once he became the peace maker he became it wholeheartedly,” he said.

Democratic Unionist leader and former Stormont first minister Arlene Foster said she offered “sincere condolences”.

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“Today’s news will come as a shock to many people,” she said.

“First and foremost, Martin McGuinness was a much loved husband, father and grandfather.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and the family circle at this very painful time of grief and loss.”

First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness smiling after being sworn in as ministers of the Northern Ireland AssembleyFirst Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness smiling after being sworn in as ministers of the Northern Ireland Assembley
First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness smiling after being sworn in as ministers of the Northern Ireland Assembley

She said history would record differing views on Mr McGuinness but he had played a pivotal role in bringing the republican movement toward peace.

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Mr McGuinness’s successor as the party’s leader at Stormont, Michelle O’Neill, paid tribute.

She tweeted: “My heart is broke this morning. We have lost a legend, a giant of a man. I’m very proud to say he was my friend and mentor x.”

During their time in office as first and deputy first minister, Mr Paisley and Mr McGuinness earned the nickname the “Chuckle brothers”.

Mr Paisley’s son Kyle tweeted: “Very sorry to hear about the passing of Martin McGuinness.

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“Look back with pleasure on the remarkable year he and my father spent in office together and the great good they did together.

“Will never forget his ongoing care for my father in his ill health.”

President of Ireland Michael D Higgins led tributes from the Irish Republic, saying Mr McGuinness’s death leaves a gap that will be hard to fill.

“The world of politics and the people across this island will miss the leadership he gave, shown most clearly during the difficult times of the peace process, and his commitment to the values of genuine democracy that he demonstrated in the development of the institutions in Northern Ireland,” he said.

Mr Higgins said Mr McGuinness made an immense contribution to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.