Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Death of Martin McGuinness, 66
NORTHERN Ireland’s former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness has died aged 66.
Sinn Fein said: “It is with deep regret and sadness that we have learnt of the death of our friend and comrade Martin McGuinness who passed away in Derry during the night.
“He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”
Mr McGuinness stood down in January in protest at the DUP’s handling of the “cash for ash” energy scandal, triggering a snap election.
His retirement came amid health concerns — but he, his family and colleagues didnot specify the nature of his illness.
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams paid tribute to his lifelong friend, saying: “Throughout his life Martin showed 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.”
During his time in office Mr McGuinness forged an unlikely friendship with then Democratic Unionist Party leader Ian Paisley and the two earned the nickname the Chuckle Brothers.
A Twitter account in the name of Mr Paisley’s son Kyle said: “Very sorry to hear about the passing of Martin McGuinness. Look back with pleasure on the remarkable year he and my father spent in office together and the great good they did together.
“Will never forget his ongoing care for my father in his ill health.”
Prime Minister Theresa May said Mr McGuinness “played a defining role in leading the Republican movement away from violence,” adding: “In doing so, he made an essential and historic contribution to the extraordinary journey of Northern Ireland from conflict to peace.”
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair said: “I am very sorry to learn of Martin’s death.
“There will be some who cannot forget the bitter legacy of the war. And for those who lost loved ones in it that is completely understandable.
“But for those of us able finally to bring about the Northern Ireland peace agreement, we know we could never have done it without Martin’s leadership, courage and quiet insistence that the past should not define the future.”