Reactions and tributes after the death of Martin McGuinness
The politician and former deputy minister of Northern Ireland passed away aged 66.
Last updated 21st Mar 2017
There have been tributes for Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness after he died aged 66 this morning.
It is understood that Northern Ireland's former deputy minister suffered from a rare heart condition.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon released a statement today stating that she believed McGuinness should be remembered as a peaceful man.
“Martin will be remembered for his commitment, alongside that of Ian Paisley, to bringing peace and reconciliation to Northern Ireland.
“He grew up in Northern Ireland's troubled past - but without his hard and brave work to bridge the divide, peace would not have been achieved.
“I had the opportunity in recent years to get to know Martin through our work in the British Irish Council and Joint Ministerial Committee - his deep understanding of both the importance and fragility of the peace process, and also his optimism for the future, was obvious to all.
“While he had been unwell for a few months, his untimely death will still come as a shock to many and my thoughts and sympathies are with his wife, wider family and friends."
Former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond tweeted his tribute, recalling his political dealings with McGuinness.
He said, "As First Minister of Scotland, I was asked by Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness to go to Northern Ireland in 2007 to support their new power sharing administration by addressing the Northern Irish Assembly.
"I gladly did so and found a remarkable partnership, which was the anchor of the institutions consolidating the peace process.
"The friendship which developed between them was real, enduring and profound, private as well as public and allowed Northern Ireland to move away from violence. They were both solid and continuing friends of Scotland.
Tony Blair also released a statement about McGuinness this morning, and the former Prime Minister said he was sorry to hear of his death.
"I grew up watching and hearing about the Martin McGuinness who was a leading member of the IRA engaged in armed struggle. I came to know the Martin McGuinness who set aside that armed struggle in favour of making peace.
"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.
"I will remember him therefore with immense gratitude for the part he played in the peace process and with genuine affection for the man I came to know and admire for his contribution to peace".
McGuinness worked as the Chief Negotiator for Sinn Fein while Lord Reid served as Northern Ireland Secretary.
He told us, "Martin McGuinness' passing is a sad loss to his family, friends, and to Northern Ireland. He was an indispensable part of the peace process.
"Though he remained a staunch Republican, he has the courage to change, to compromise, to abandon violence, to embrace old enemies, promote reconciliation, and make a massive contribution in shaping a better future for everyone in Northern Ireland".