'Peace process could not have happened without him': Blair

Tony Blair paid tribute to Martin McGuinness’s “leadership and courage” and said the peace process would not have been possible without him.

The former Prime Minister said: “Once he became the peace maker he became it wholeheartedly.''

“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.''

Mr Blair said he got to know him well during the “arduous” negotiations and “by the time that extraordinary day arrived in 2007 after almost a decade of hard work where we could witness the - to my generation - incredible sight of he and Ian Paisley sitting down together in government, the transition of Martin to reconciliator was complete''.

He added that “whatever the past, the Martin I knew was a thoughtful, reflective and committed individual''.

Mr Blair said; “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.''

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