President Michael D. Higgins and Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams were among the first to pay tribute to the former Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland.
President Michael D. Higgins has said that the people of Ireland will miss the leadership of former Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister, who has died at the age of 66.
President Higgins said: “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.
“As President of Ireland, I wish to pay tribute to his immense contribution to the advancement of peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, a contribution which has rightly been recognised across all shades of opinion.”
McGuinness’s closest political ally was Gerry Adams, who spoke about his friend’s dignity throughout the illness that ultimately claimed his life.
“Throughout his life Martin showed great determination, dignity and humility and it was no different during his short illness,” said the Sinn Féin leader.
“He was a passionate republican who worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the re-unification of his country.
“But above all he loved his family and the people of Derry and he was immensely proud of both.
“On behalf of republicans everywhere we extend our condolences to Bernie, Fiachra, Emmett, Fionnuala and Grainne, grandchildren and the extended McGuinness family.”
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