President’s state visit to Britain: ‘Governments must build on initiatives,’ says Martin McGuinness

» John Hedges

An Phoblacht Editor

'I am an Irish republican. A united Ireland has been, and continues to be, the primary objective of my political life. I want to see an end to partition and unity of the Irish people through a genuine process of reconciliation based on equality and tolerance' – Martin McGuinness

MARTIN McGUINNESS says he is attending events in England this week as part of the state visit of Uachtarán na hÉireann to Britain “as a representative of all of the people of the North" and that the British and Irish governments “need to grasp the opportunities that these initiatives present and build on them”.

The joint First Minister said he is conscious that this decision “is significant and involves political and symbolic challenges for Irish republicans” but added:

“However, my presence alongside Peter Robinson brings an all-island dimension to this historic event which, it is worth noting, has taken all of 93 years to happen.

“As the record of the Peace Process demonstrates, Irish republicans have always been prepared to take decisions and risks for peace and reconciliation.

“I am an Irish republican. A united Ireland has been, and continues to be, the primary objective of my political life. I want to see an end to partition and unity of the Irish people through a genuine process of reconciliation based on equality and tolerance.

“I want an Ireland in which one can be British or Irish and live in harmony and mutual respect with their neighbours. There is now a peaceful and democratic way to achieve this.

“There have been huge and positive political changes in recent years. There is now a clear process of transition ongoing within the island of Ireland and between Ireland, including the North, and Britain.

“I firmly believe that my attendance marks another significant step. It is not an end to the process of building a new relationship based upon equality but is an important part of that journey. We are not just involved in a peace process but a reconciliation process – a change process.

“Therefore the lethargic approach of the two governments recently to the Peace Process also has to change. They need to grasp the opportunities that these initiatives present and build on them.”