“His leadership was instrumental in turning the page on a past of violence and conflict that he knew all too well.”
Former US president Barack Obama has paid tribute to the late Martin McGuinness following the former North Ireland deputy first minister’s death earlier this week at the age of 66.
McGuinness will be laid to rest in Derry today, with President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, DUP leader Arlene Foster, former US president Bill Clinton and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair expected to be amongst the thousands in attendance.
On Wednesday night, Obama issued a statement passing on his condolences to McGuinness’ family and friends and praising his “wisdom and courage to pursue peace and reconciliation for his people”.
You can read the statement in full below.
“I send my condolences to the family and many friends of Martin McGuinness, a man who had the wisdom and courage to pursue peace and reconciliation for his people.
“His leadership was instrumental in turning the page on a past of violence and conflict that he knew all too well.
“In our own meetings, I was always struck by his good humor and persistent belief in a better future for the people of Northern Ireland.
“May Martin rest in the peace that he pursued in life, and may his example inspire others to pursue a path of reconciliation.”
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