Sinn Fein’s McGuinness has illness that could kill him

MARTIN McGuinness is suffering from a life- threatening illness, it emerged yesterday.

The 66-year-old, who resigned as the Sinn Fein Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister on Monday, has the rare genetic disease amyloidosis.

The illness – which is caused by deposits of abnormal protein in tissues and organs throughout the body – can lead to organ failure and death within as little as a year without treatment.

It was unclear last night when McGuinness, pictured, had been diagnosed or what treatment he had received.

He had earlier denied his health was the reason he had stepped down.

He blamed the DUP’s handling of a disastrous renewable energy scheme for ending his party’s ten-year coalition with the Democratic Unionist Party and the likely triggering of an election.

During his resignation speech, he appeared to have lost considerable weight and looked tired and pale. Earlier this week, Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said McGuinness was ‘obviously ill’, saying that many had been shocked by his appearance.

Adams said: ‘I myself have received many messages from former combatants, from former [Royal Ulster Constabulary] people, from the Protestant community, all saying give our best wishes to Martin. He’s very resilient, he’s getting the very, very best of medical treatment, so hopefully – and if people pray, they should pray – hopefully he will be back to himself before too long.’ However, former IRA member McGuinness told reporters his decision was the result of bitter fallout from the £1billion so-called cash for ash scandal.

He said: ‘My health is absolutely nothing to do with this whatsoever.’

Sinn Fein’s Pearse Doherty said he expected McGuinness to make a full recovery.

Appearing on Irish television, he said: ‘He’s had health problems, he’s going through treatment. He’s getting the best of care.’

Talks to prevent the collapse of the Northern Irish executive faced resistance yesterday from Sinn Fein, which called for an early election.

Party officials met Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire, after which he confirmed an election was ‘highly likely’.

Under Stormont rules, Sinn Fein has until Monday to nominate a new deputy first minister. An election could cost the taxpayer £5million.