MARTIN McGUINNESS

The People’s President – Uachtarán na nDaoine

MARTIN McGUINNESS has been an extremely influential person in Irish politics for many years and a critical figure in developing and sustaining the Peace Process. He has a deep love of Ireland and a vision of where Ireland as a nation needs to go.
As deputy First Minister in the North, Martin has shown leadership in working closely and successfully with the representatives of unionism. He has dedicated himself to a genuine national reconciliation and the unity of our people.
Martin is now a key figure on the international stage.
He has a considerable international reputation as a peacemaker and has actively assisted in the search for peace in other conflict situations.
And, as deputy First Minister, he has built international relations and worked successfully to attract major economic investment to the North.
The next President will have to give leadership to the Irish people through one of the most difficult periods in our history. The President will lead the Irish nation as we mark the centenary of the 1916 Rising and must also lead a debate on our country’s future.
As Uachtarán na hEireann, Martin McGuinness will work for the reunification of Ireland. He will stand up for Ireland. He will be a President for all the people.

Uachtarán na nDaoine
Martin’s vision is for a better, fairer Ireland where community and society are valued as much as economic prosperity. He will promote an ethos of equality and inclusion at the heart of his Presidency.
If elected President he is committed to taking only the average wage.
He will use the Presidency to recognise civic participation including those whose contribution to their own communities are essential for a strong and healthy society.
Martin will make Áras an Úachtarán a welcoming place for all sections of Irish society, particularly those previously marginalised.
Martin will be a President for all, including the Irish diaspora.

Tiomanta don Ghaeilge

Committed to a secure future for the Irish language, Martin prioritised Irish language education when he served as Education Minister in the North. He is currently learning Irish himself and has signed up to Líofa 2015, an initiative to encourage more people to speak the language.

Independence and Sovereignty – Neamhspleáchas agus Ceannasacht

Martin will be a President who will stand up for Ireland and Irish sovereignty
As we approach the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising it is timely that we have a President who believes that managing our own affairs is the prerogative of the Irish people, not the IMF or the EU.
He will give voice to a strong, independent stance for Ireland when representing the country overseas.

A strong voice internationally – Guth láidir Idirnáisiúnta

Known internationally as a peacemaker, Martin has actively assisted in the search for peace in other conflict situations around the world, including Iraq, the Basque country and Sri Lanka.
As deputy First Minister he has attracted major economic investment to the North.
Martin enjoys good personal relationships with senior political figures across Britain, the US, South Africa, Europe and further afield.

Irish Unity – Aontacht na hÉireann

Martin will use the office of President to bring people, North and South, together, building the foundations for Irish unity.
He will continue to reach out to unionists, showing them they will have a cherished place in a united Ireland.
Irish citizens in the North are denied the right to vote in this election. This must change.

Uachtarán na nDaoine

»     Is í fís Mháirtín Éirinn níos fearr agus níos féaráilte, áit a mbeidh pobal agus sochaí níos tábhachtaigh ná rathúnas eacnamaíoch.
»     Má thoghtar é mar Uachtarán ní ghlacfaidh sé ach an meán phá.
»     Bainfidh sé úsáid as an Uachtaránacht chun aitheantas a thabhairt do pháirteachas saoránach, ina measc, iad siúd a bhfuil a gcuid oibre ina gcuid pobail riachtanach chun sochaí láidir sláintiúil a chothú.
»     Dhéanfaidh Máirtín Áras an Uachtaráin fáilteach do gach roinn de shochaí na hÉireann, go háirithe iad siúd a bhí imeallaithe go dtí seo.
»     Beidh Máirtín ina Uachtarán ag iomlán, diaspóra na hÉireann san áireamh.

Martin’s Political Journey

Derry Republican
Martin’s political journey began on the streets of Derry in the late 1960s when he joined the marches for Civil Rights. From his early days he has been guided by the vision of reuniting our country. He joined the IRA in the 1970s. He was present on Bloody Sunday when 14 of his fellow citizens of Derry were murdered by the British Army.

Peace Negotiator
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Martin worked alongside John Hume, Albert Reynolds, Gerry Adams and others in bringing about the IRA ceasefire and the development of the Peace Process. He was elected to the peace negotiations in 1996 and was appointed the Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator in the talks that led to the Good Friday Agreement.

Education Minister
Martin became Education Minister in 1999 and put equality for all children at the heart of his education policy. He took the landmark decision to end the socially divisive system of academic segregation, the ‘11 Plus’, while promoting Irish-medium and integrated education. As Education Minister he prioritised and increased funding for children with special needs and those from socially disadvantaged communities.

Deputy First Minister
In 2007, Martin became the North’s deputy First Minister alongside Ian Paisley, a position he currently holds alongside the new DUP leader, Peter Robinson. His approach on the Executive and the All-Ireland Ministerial Council has been one of partnership, equality and inclusion and he has helped demonstrate that politics can and do work for all in our society.