Laois TD and Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan commended Martin McGuinness for “his embrace of the politics of peace” and the “immense personal contribution” he made to building and consolidating the peace on the island of Ireland.
Mr McGuinness died this morning in hospital in Derry following a short illness.
“His own personal journey from militant republicanism to deputy First Minister in a power-sharing administration with unionism helped to map the road to the Good Friday Agreement and its vision of partnership and reconciliation,” said Mr Flanagan.
“Martin’s generosity of spirit; his courageous leadership; and his ability to stretch himself in the pursuit of political stability inspired many others to do the same.
“He led with patience, with courtesy, and with a willingness to see and acknowledge the goodwill in others – even if those people were far removed from his own republican tradition.
“Martin was deeply rooted in Derry, with great affection for its people, its places and its sporting traditions. But above all it was his family that was at the centre of Martin’s life.
“For Bernie, his children and grandchildren, Martin’s untimely loss is very difficult to bear and they are in all our thoughts at this very sad time.”
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