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Tributes paid following death of Martin McGuinness 21.03.17

TRIBUTES are being paid today following the death of the North's former Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
Mr McGuinness' death at Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry, was announced in the early hours of this morning. The veteran Sinn Féin politician (66) died from a rare heart condition.
His passing comes as his home city of Derry and his maternal homeplace of Buncrana come to terms with a number of recent tragic events.
These include the sudden death of Derry City FC captain Ryan McBride (27) and the murder in India of Buncrana woman Danielle McLaughlin (28).
This week also marks the one-year anniversary of the tragic drownings at Buncrana Pier of five members of the McGrotty and Daniels families from Derry.
President Michael D Higgins said Martin McGuinness had made an "immense contribution" to peace.
"The world of politics and the people across this island will miss the leadership he gave, shown most clearly during the difficult times of the peace process, and his commitment to the values of genuine democracy that he demonstrated in the development of the institutions in Northern Ireland," said Mr Higgins.
Derry Mayor, Hilary McClintock expressed her condolences to Mr McGuinness' family and said the city was shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of such a "towering figure".
“Whilst there will continue to be a diverse range of opinions on Mr McGuinness’ contribution to society over his lifetime, it is clear that he had a passion for the city and the wider North West area.
Martin McGuinness.
In recent years his contribution helped build on the relative peace we now enjoy," she said.
Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Ken Good offered Mr McGuinness' grieving family his "deep sympathy".
He described the Bogside-born Republican leader as "adept and courageous" and someone who possessed "considerable charisma and a willingness to reach out to others".
"There are many in this community who still find it difficult to come to terms with his past involvement in the IRA, and the pain inflicted by that organisation," said Bishop Good.
"However, in recent years, Martin McGuinness dedicated himself to constitutional politics and to the peace process. He challenged his own community and others, taking undeniable risks for the greater good and developing relationships that would previously have been considered most unlikely." Martin McGuinness is survived by his wife Bernie; his children, Grainne, Fionnuala, Fiachra and Emmett; his grandchildren and his brothers and sister.
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