Reaction from politicians all over the UK

Politicians across the UK have been reacting to the death of Martin McGuinness and reflecting on his part in Northern Ireland’s peace process.

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long told Downtown & Cool FM that for may it was a “painful day for those who were victims” of terrorism.

But she added: “At the end of the day we saw a huge transformation in him and others which allow us to be build the peace that we enjoy today and I think that we have to be grateful for those who had the courage, the vision and the dedication to be able to change their position to be able to move to a point where we were able to make peace with each other."

TUV leader Jim Allister said the former Deputy First Minister lived “many more decades than most of his victims.”

“Naturally, the passing of anyone causes grief and sorrow to their family and friends. All such families deserve condolences, “ Jim Allister

“Sadly, Mr McGuinness thought it appropriate not just to sanction and commit murder but to take those dark secrets to his grave, denying truth and justice to many IRA victims.

"So, today my primary thoughts are with the many victims of the IRA who never reached the age of 66. Of men and women who never got to see their grandchildren because their lives were cut short by murderous Republicanism. Of children stolen from their parents and grandparents by the organisation in which McGuinness was a commander."

Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly said: “I’ve known Martin many decades as a friend and comrade and my first thoughts are with Bernie and his whole family, his four children and seven grand-children as well as his brother and sister.

“The first loss is to them.

“For Republicanism the loss is huge." Gerry Kelly

DUP MP Ian Paisley said: “On a personal level I express my condolences.

“But I think most people will reflect on the remarkable journey and as a Christian, a person who believes very strongly in faith it how a person’s life finishes not how the person’s life starts.

“I suppose therefore the conclusion was that the journey ended in a better place.”

Former DUP leader and First Minister Peter Robinson, who worked in Stormont with Mr McGuinness said:“Martin’s life like the politics of Northern Ireland was multifaceted.

"The immediate reaction to his passing has ranged from expressions of hurt from the victims of the IRA’s campaign to the grief of those who were closest to him and his political outlook.

"Others have found his later years as a deal-maker and Minister truly historic and deserving of merit. All these views are valid and form part of his life and legacy. Martin never sought to airbrush any part of his life.

"But most important today is that behind this very public figure was a very private family man. He loved his family dearly and loved to be with them.

"To Bernie, the family and his many friends I express my condolences and trust that God may comfort them in their hour of sorrow.

"I do not believe that any other republican could have performed the role he did during this transition. In the difficult days, we presently face, his influence will be greatly missed.”

"Martin and I worked together for seven years as First and deputy First Minister. We came together in that office after the heady euphoria of reaching agreement had faded.

"The honeymoon was over and we had to work the hard yards of operating the system in a manner that would instil confidence and bring delivery.

"The business of governing a divided society and coping with the endless curve balls that politics here brings tested both of us. Yet while I knew his past, as he knew mine, we never doubted or gave up our shared commitment to create a new and better era in Northern Ireland politics.

"We had the best of personal relationships – keeping in touch even after my retirement and during his illness."

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire said: “I want to extend my sympathy and sincere condolences to the family of Martin McGuinness at this difficult time.

“Martin's personal journey and the clear influence he had on others in the republican movement were instrumental in shaping political institutions in Northern Ireland founded on exclusively peaceful and democratic means.

“While not forgetting the past, no-one can doubt the essential role he played in helping to secure the power sharing arrangements and political progress in Northern Ireland. Martin's commitment to reconciliation and understanding across communities was a significant factor.

“Whilst passionate and robust in his politics, on a personal level I always found Martin to be thoughtful and reflective and appreciated the personal consideration he showed. The importance of family and his home in Derry shone through.

“Martin will be remembered for his contribution to politics in Northern Ireland and particularly during his near ten years as deputy first minister.''

Ex Northern Ireland secretary John Reid branded his part in the peace process as “indispensable.”

“Though Martin remained a staunch Republican, he had the courage to change, to compromise, to abandon violence, to embrace old enemies, to promote reconciliation and he made a massive contribution in shaping a better future for everyone in Northern Ireland,” he said

Former Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who was central to the Good Friday Agreement being signed, described Mr McGuinness as an extraordinary person, honest in his efforts and an upfront negotiator.

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