10 September 2009 Edition

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McGuinness pays tribute to Joe Hughes

PROUD: Joe Hughes with daughter Noreen

PROUD: Joe Hughes with daughter Noreen

Sinn Féin MP for Mid Ulster Martin McGuinness has today paid tribute to Joe Hughes, the father of IRA Hunger Striker Francis Hughes, who passed away earlier this evening aged 101.
 Mr McGuinness said:
 “I was greatly saddened when I heard the news this evening that Joe Hughes, father of former IRA Volunteer and Hunger Striker Francis Hughes had passed away.
 “During very difficult and dangerous times Joe and his late wife Maggie stepped forward at great personal loss to themselves and their family.
 “He was a proud and strong Irishman and a solid Republican who stood firmly behind his son, as Francis and his comrades faced down Margaret Thatcher and her criminalisation policy in Long Kesh in 1981.
“Republicans across Ireland, but particularly in South Derry, will feel a great sense of loss at this news.
 “On behalf of the Sinn Féin leadership I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Hughes family circle at this difficult time.”

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