Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
MAKE PEACE FOR MARTIN
Ex-president tells mourners ‘finish his work’ Mcguinness ‘not a terrorist’ insists Adams Foster gets applauded at Requiem Mass
He expanded the definition of us and shrank the definition of them BILL CLINTON ST COLUMBA’S, DERRY
DIGNITY Mcguinness children carry coffin
BILL Clinton urged people to honour Martin Mcguinness’ memory by telling them: “If you came here to celebrate his life you have to finish his work.”
In a powerful and typically engaging speech, the former US President brought both passion and laughter to a funeral that saw thousands come on to the streets of Derry. He said Mr Mcguinness succeeded because “his word and principles were good” and he “made honourable compromises”. And Mr Clinton lavished praise on Arlene Foster, offering a “special word of appreciation for former First Minister Foster for being here”. Those in the church also showed their appreciation of her presence, clapping as she took her seat. Around 1,500 people sat in St Columba’s Church as Mr Clinton spoke at the end of the mass. Thousands more stood in the icy breeze and listened as the service was broadcast through loudspeakers. Mr Clinton recalled being with Mr Mcguinness and former SDLP leader John Hume three years ago on the Peace Bridge in Derry when they talked about the money he budgeted for schools in poor Protestant areas. He said: “He thought those children would be just as crippled by ignorance as Catholic children were. I could tell he was proud as punch with himself. “Normally it’s not a good thing to be proud of yourself but I think if there’s a secret category of things you can be proud of, taking care of the children of the people you had been at odds with is surely on the list.” Mr Clinton inspired laughter compared his own upbringing in Arkansas with Mr Mcguinness’ early years as one of seven children in a Bogside house with no indoor toilet. He added: “That’s a great political story but I’m the last American president that ever lived in a house without an indoor toilet and it’s very much overrated, except for its political value.” Mr Clinton had been asked to speak for three minutes at the funeral but delivered more than 10 minutes both aspirational and inspirational. He described the Sinn Fein veteran’s life as an “amazing unfolding” and how after growing up at a time of rage and resentment, he decided to fight discrimination “by whatever means available to the passionate young, including violence”. But he added Mr Mcguinness decided to “give peace a chance”. He said: “I was thinking about it – after all the breath he expended cursing the British over the years he worked with two prime ministers and shook hands with the Queen. “He realised you could have an Ireland that was free, independent and self-governing and still inclusive. “That the dreams of little children were no more or no less legitimate just because of their faith background or their family’s history or the sins of their parents. “He risked the wrath of his comrades and the rejection of his adversaries. He expanded the definition of us and shrunk the definition of them.” Afterwards Mr Clinton posed for pictures with some mourners before being whisked away. Mr Clinton’s speech came after Mr Mcguinness’s remains had been brought from his home in the Bogside through the streets where thousands applauded as his tricolour-draped coffin passed. At St Columba’s, Bishop Donal Mckeown, Bishop of Derry, welcomed dignitaries, public figures and politicians from Ireland, Britain and the US. He then turned to the Mcguinness family and said: “For you, this is not the funeral of a public figure. “This is a funeral of a husband, father and a grandfather and our first thoughts are with you.” Bishop Mckeown noted the applause inside St Columba’s when some politicians had arrived ahead of Mr Mcguinness’s coffin, including for Mrs Foster. Chief celebrant Fr Michael Canny began his homily by asking mourners to join him in sharing thoughts and prayers with the people of London following Wednesday’s terror attack. He added there “are people in this church whose presence would have been unthinkable a generation ago”. The congregation heard the presence of Mr Mcguinness’s rivals and foes at the Mass is “the most eloquent testimony” to his memory. He said: “When you seek his monument, look around you. You, by your presence, are his monument.” Mourners were told Mr Mcguinness was the IRA commander who became a champion of peace. Fr Canny revealed having many conversations with him in which the Sinn Fein veteran said he knew only too well how many people struggled with his IRA past. He said: “Republicans were not blameless, and many people right across the community find it difficult
Many years ago Martin realised the time for peace had come FR MICHAEL CANNY ST COLUMBA’S CHURCH
to forgive and impossible to forget. By any standards, Martin Mcguinness was a remarkable man and his life was a remarkable journey. The values he had, the principles he championed are still very much alive. Many years ago, Martin realised the time for peace had come and he pursued the peace process with relentless energy for the rest of his days, until illness struck him down. He encountered many obstacles but he remained resolute. “In conversation, he often repeated there was no other way, we had to continually work for the building of peace and a better future for all. “Despite many setbacks he never became disheartened.” Among others to pay tribute during the mass were Rev Harold Good, former president of the Methodist Church in Ireland and a member of the panel which oversaw IRA decommissioning and Rev David Latimer of the First Derry Presbyterian Church. Also in attendance was former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, who said: “I worked closely with Martin and Ian Paisley as they worked to build the credibility of their devolved administration.” After the mass, the streets were still packed as the cortege left St Columba’s and wound its way to the City Cemetery.