Hundreds mourn Martin McGuinness, ex-IRA commander

I learned a lot from Martin.

‘He was a coward who knew that the IRA was defeated, that the IRA army council had been penetrated by British intelligence and they were beaten.

“It was awesome stuff to hear what he, someone from a Protestant/Unionist background, said about McGuinness”, he added. “That’s human, natural and understandable, but in the end, Northern Ireland has made a decision to move forward and it was a right decision, whatever the consequences of the past”.

Several sources said meetings are likely to continue over the coming days – with the Assembly due to meet again on Monday to attempt to elect a First Minister and Deputy First Minister. “He’ll be a big loss to the process”, said Deputy O’Dea.

Ashrawi also described McGuinness as a defender of rights and justice, as well as a man of peace who fought against oppression and injustice.

Rev. Latimer said that the new generations across the divide were recognising Martin McGuinness’ contribution, and a fitting tribute to him would be if “the politics of recrimination were put to bed” while the flame of “partnership and working together” keeps burning bright.

Minister Flanagan said that as Deputy First Minister, Mr McGuiness displayed “great courage and leadership”, especially in undertaking gestures of respect and reconciliation which reached across community lines.

“But above all it was his family that was at the centre of Martin’s life”.

“The reason he suddenly became a man of peace, was that he was desperately afraid that he was going to be arrested and charged with a number of murders”, he said, according to the BBC.

“McGuinness: IRA leader who forged path to peace” the Irish News states. Here was a man of violence who became feted, by many, as a peacemaker. “My thoughts and prayers are with Martin’s family and the people of Ireland during this time“.

In a highly significant and historic statement, the Queen in 2011 referred to the IRA killing of her cousin, the Earl of Mountbatten before expressing regret over certain events on the British side.

But debates over McGuinness’ life and his legacy – in Britain, in Ireland and beyond – are likely to continue long after his contemporaries in London and Dublin have shuffled off the political stage.

Adams paid tribute to his colleague, saying: “He was a passionate republican who worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the reunification of his country”.

“We don’t believe this is an issue that can be ignored and brushed aside in the interests of “peace”.

“When he made a decision to fight for peace, Martin was calm, courageous, and direct”, Clinton and former US Secretary of State, Hillary, said in a statement.

After his exit from the IRA, Mr McGuinness allied himself with Sinn Fein, and was their Presidential candidate in the 2011 elections.

“He was very opaque and selective with the truth”. Was it necessary for its government to be divided up between the DUP and Sinn Fein in the first place?