Sincere condolences to Martin McGuinness’ wife, Berni, and children, Emmett, Fiachra, Fionnuala and Gráinne. We in Sinn Féin, and many others, are heartbroken at the loss of a true republican and leader. Although Martin is gone, his legacy of peace and reconciliation is still with us. Our job now is to finish the tasks of unity, equality and freedom. Go raibh suaimhneas síoraí Dé ag a anam uasal Gaelach.
Republicans across Ireland will mourn his passing. Across Ireland and internationally, he is recognised as a statesman and peacemaker.
Martin McGuinness was a regular visitor to the west, and to Mayo in particular, both in a personal and political capacity. He joined me on many occasions on the election trail and had a genuine connection and affinity with all those we met. He came to Mayo during his presidential campaign in 2011 and was received with great warmness.
He was also a regular visitor to the west in a personal capacity and believed strongly in the potential of region and the need for investment. He had a keen sense of the importance of rural Ireland to the republican project.
Although we have lost a great leader today, we have a wonderful legacy of peace left to us. We now have to continue on and achieve what Martin started. The aims of Irish freedom and unity were central to his life and we owe it to him to make these his legacy.
