Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
INSPIRED BY MCGUINNESS
Son of murdered solicitor ‘proud’ to stand in election
JOHN Finucane has told how Martin Mcguinness was an “inspiration” to him as he decided to run for Westminster.
The son of murdered solicitor Pat Finucane will stand for Sinn Fein in North Belfast in next month’s General Election. And he told the party faithful last night: “If I can achieve a fraction of what Martin achieved in the work he did to reach out the hand of friendship then I will be very proud.” Mr Finucane was one of tens of thousands of mourners at the funeral of the IRA chief turned politician. Speaking at the party’s Westminster selection convention, he said if voters heed the republican’s message and his legacy Sinn Fein “can win this seat”. Mr Finucane added: “Much of my inspiration has derived from Martin Mcguinness. “Martin helped my family for countless years and always showed compassion and warmth to us and to so many others.” The solicitor said he was inspired by the legacy of the former Deputy First Minister and the words used to remember his life at the graveside oration in Derry. He added: “If we want rights, which are denied to us, then campaign for them. “Fight for them. Mobilise and act for them. And never give up. We can win this seat. If you oppose Tory cuts, austerity and Brexit, stand with Sinn Fein in this election. “If you want marriage equality, if you want an Acht na Gaeilge, if you want a just and progressive society then stand with Sinn Fein in this election. “I believe Irish unity is the way forward for us all. I want a modern and inclusive Ireland. An Ireland in which political persuasion, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or skin colour make no difference as to how a citizen is treated.” Mr Finucane also made reference to his father’s murder during the speech at the Lansdowne Hotel in North Belfast. He said: “Many in this room will be aware I am the youngest son of Patrick Finucane who was killed just yards from this venue 28 years ago. “I am proud to have campaigned for truth and justice in my father’s case because it truly is a campaign for everyone. “I firmly believe the success and progress we have achieved has benefited our entire society. “Now, by standing in North Belfast, I am continuing the work he started towards a just, equitable and rights based society for all.”