The People’s President

A New Beginning – Tús Nua

A Chara,

Throughout my involvement in political life, all I have ever wanted to do was make a contribution – to make a difference – to empower people and unite them.
I have never sought financial gain or privilege from my involvement in politics and I never will. I still live in the same community where I was born and raised.
I feel a deep bond with ordinary working people. And as I have travelled around the South in recent years I have felt an anger at the impact of reckless economic policies pursued by the rich and powerful on ordinary citizens.
As political leaders we have to offer something better – we have to offer hope – we have to offer a better future for the people of Ireland.
When we first began meeting with John Hume in the 1980s, people could see no way out of what seemed like an intractable conflict.
We had a different vision. And eventually every strand of political and religious opinion on this island came together and produced agreement, generated mutual respect of one another and cemented peace.
I am very proud to have served in government alongside unionists. And in particular I cherish the relationship I developed with Ian Paisley. In many ways that friendship symbolised my political philosophy that nothing is impossible and no problem is unsolvable or intractable.
Ireland needs the same sort of approach now: Irish people, both here and abroad, all working together in a common purpose to see our nation succeed, to see our nation united and to see our nation rebuilt.
I spoke recently of the need for a national conversation on the type of Republic Ireland needs to be as we approach the centenary of 1916. I would see the President as facilitating such a dialogue.
And I would see the Presidency as being central in the unfinished business of the Peace Process – namely national reconciliation.
So as I embark on this campaign I will seek to reach every parish in this land. I want to talk to people up and down this country and I want you to join with me on this journey.
I will be a people’s President – a President for a new republic in a new time.

Is mise,

Martin McGuinness