Martin McGuinness dead at 66. Photo by Kelvin Boyes.
By Anthony Neeson
Tributes have poured in for Martin McGuinness who died in the early hours of Tuesday morning, aged 66.
The former Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister at Stormont died from what is understood to be a rare heart condition, while in Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry, surrounded by his family.
Mr. McGuinness stood down from his post as Deputy First Minister in January over the DUP’s handling of the green energy scandal that forced this month’s Assembly election and its historic result.
At that time McGuinness hadn’t been seen in public for a number of weeks because of illness, but television viewers were shocked to witness just how much he had visibly ailed in a matter of weeks.
The former IRA commander, along with Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams, led the republican movement from the transition of conflict into power-sharing with unionists.
On news of his death, Gerry Adams, said Mr. McGuinness had shown great determination, dignity and humility “and it was no different during his short illness.”
“He was a passionate republican who worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the reunification of his country. But above all he loved his family and the people of Derry and he was immensely proud of both.”
Former Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster sent her “sincere condolences” to the McGuinness family.
“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.”
President Michael D 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.”
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said Mr. McGuinness’ “commitment to securing enduring peace and prosperity for all of the people of Northern Ireland was unwavering throughout his time.”
British Prime Minister Theresa May said Mr. McGuinness had “played a defining role in leading the republican movement away from violence.”
Fellow Derry man and SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said: “History will record his political career as a journey, one born in a tradition of violence but, in a testament to Martin’s character, that arrived at this true calling in politics, people and the art of persuasion.”
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said Mr. McGuinness reached out to unionists “to steer Northern Ireland towards a better shared future” while former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said Ireland had lost a great leader.
When Sinn Féin entered power-sharing with the DUP as the two largest parties in 2007, Martin McGuinness formed a strong relationship with Ian Paisley, something which continued until Mr. Paisley’s death in 2014.
Ian Paisley’s son, Ian Jr, said it is more important to reflect on Mr. McGuinness’ latter years in government than those in the IRA.
“As a son who was very close to his father I could give respect to anyone who could give respect and treat my father with respect,” he said.
Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Queen Elizabeth is to write a personal message to Martin McGuinness’ wife. Mr. McGuinness first met with the queen in June 2012 and on a number of occasions after as part of his outreach to unionists.
Irish American political leaders also sent their condolences.
House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley said: “I’m deeply saddened to learn of Martin McGuinness' passing.
“A giant for peace, he will be forever remembered for his attempts to bring change to all of Ireland. I first met Martin more than 20 years ago during his first visit to the United States, though I knew of and admired him long before that visit. We became close friends and continued a relationship for years that was built on admiration and respect.
"Martin was one of the most extraordinary leaders I have ever met - never giving up on his belief in a united Ireland, while working to constructively bridge the divide with those who fought for a different future. His achievements, including the leadership shown during the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and his consistent, responsible support for devolution of power in the North, will be marked down in history as some of the most important efforts toward peace in modern history.
"I will forever treasure his warmth, friendship, and spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with Martin’s family and the people of Ireland during this time."
Congressman Brendan Boyle said: “It is with great sorrow that I learn of the passing of Martin McGuinness. This is a great loss for Northern Ireland and the cause of peace the world over.
“One of the great achievements in the world in the last fifty years has been the Northern Ireland Peace Process. Simply put, without Martin McGuinness, peace would not have been achieved and sustained.
“I pay tribute to Martin’s dedication to securing peace on the island throughout his long career working alongside three First Ministers of Northern Ireland, and vow to honor his memory through my commitment to preserving that peace. I extend my condolences to the entire McGuinness family.”
Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, former North finance minister and publisher of the Irish Echo paid an especially moving tribute.
He said “The 19th Century Donegal poet lamenting his drowned son comes closest to capturing our devastation at the news that Martin McGuinness is gone.
“An chéad Mháirt de fhómhair ba brónach tuirseach mo scéal. Lámh thapa a bhí cróga ag gabháil rohmam ar leaba na n-éag.
“On the First Tuesday of autumn, sorry and tired was my news. A fast hand which was brave going before me to the bed of the dead.
“For in him, we had a hero and a champion who stood always by our side.
“While the commentariat assess his life’s journey in parts, we see only the whole of the moon.
“The Martin McGuinness who faced down the powerful on the streets of his native Derry was also the Martin McGuinness we revered as a fearless peacemaker.
“His was a life spent in selfless service.
“A life of patriotic and selfless endeavor.
“A life of endurance, resolve and unstoppable commitment. Until midnight on 20 March.
“He was our North Star.
“No matter, how great the challenge or how intimidating the task, he rose again and again. And on every occasion, his integrity and nobility brought his people with him.
“His every action inspired confidence and courage in others.
“His humor and big heart got us through the trials of politics.
“His compassion and kindness emboldened us to reach further and higher.
“We admired him as a comrade and leader, of course. But that wasn’t even the half of it. We loved him.
“In turn, he believed that love would conquer all. Indeed, he went on to prove that as the pre-eminent peacemaker of his time, befriending in particular those who knew what it was like to have been in the trenches.
“And while his astonishing ability to build bridges did indeed win over many hearts, it also meant that when he called time on efforts to turn back the clock, his people rallied like never before.
“Today is filled with sorrow but in time to come, wherever people gather to seek justice, they will take great strength and succor from his memory. And every time his name is spoken he will live again.
“And his name will be spoken for a thousand years.”
McGuinness’ funeral will take place on Thursday following Mass at St. Columba’s Long Tower Chapel in Derry at 2 p.m.
