|
|
Tributes paid following death of
Martin McGuinness
21.03.17
TRIBUTES are being paid
today following the death of the North's former
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
Mr McGuinness' death at Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry,
was announced in the early hours of this morning.
The veteran Sinn Féin politician (66) died from a
rare heart condition.
His passing comes as his home city of Derry and his
maternal homeplace of Buncrana come to terms with a
number of recent tragic events.
These include the sudden death of Derry City FC
captain Ryan McBride (27) and the murder in India of
Buncrana woman Danielle McLaughlin (28).
This week also marks the one-year anniversary of the
tragic drownings at Buncrana Pier of five members of
the McGrotty and Daniels families from Derry.
President Michael D Higgins said Martin McGuinness
had made an "immense contribution" to peace. |
"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," said Mr Higgins.
Derry Mayor, Hilary McClintock expressed her
condolences to Mr McGuinness' family and said the
city was shocked and deeply saddened by the passing
of such a "towering figure".
“Whilst there will continue to be a diverse range of
opinions on Mr McGuinness’ contribution to society
over his lifetime, it is clear that he had a passion
for the city and the wider North West area. |
 |
|
Martin McGuinness. |
In recent years his
contribution helped build on the relative peace we
now enjoy," she said.
Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Ken
Good offered Mr McGuinness' grieving family his
"deep sympathy".
He described the Bogside-born Republican leader as
"adept and courageous" and someone who possessed
"considerable charisma and a willingness to reach
out to others".
"There are many in this community who still find it
difficult to come to terms with his past involvement
in the IRA, and the pain inflicted by that
organisation," said Bishop Good.
"However, in recent years, Martin McGuinness
dedicated himself to constitutional politics and to
the peace process. He challenged his own community
and others, taking undeniable risks for the greater
good and developing relationships that would
previously have been considered most unlikely."
Martin McGuinness is survived by his wife Bernie;
his children, Grainne, Fionnuala, Fiachra and
Emmett; his grandchildren and his brothers and
sister. |
|
