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12 September 2014

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Death of Ian Paisley Snr – 'Once political opponents, I have lost a friend,' says Martin McGuinness

MARTIN McGUINNESS has expressed his deep regret and sadness at the death announced on Friday of former First Minister and former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, Rev Dr Ian Paisley.

“Once political opponents, I have lost a friend," Martin McGuinness said.

“I learned with deep regret and sadness of the death of former First Minister, Rev Dr Ian Paisley,” said Martin McGuinness, who served as deputy First Minister with Dr Paisley from May 2007.

A year later, Ian Paisley handed over the position of First Minister and leadership of the DUP to Peter Robinson.

Martin McGuinness, speaking at the Sinn Féin National Strategy Conference in County Louth when he heard the news, said:

“Over a number of decades we were political opponents and held very different views on many, many issues, but the one thing we were absolutely united on was the principle that our people were better able to govern themselves than any British government.

“I want to pay tribute to and comment on the work he did in the latter days of his political life in building agreement and leading unionism into a new accommodation with republicans and nationalists.”

Martin McGuinness said that  in the brief period they worked together in the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister he developed a close working relationship with Ian Paisley Snr which developed into a friendship that “despite our many differences” lasted beyond his term in office.

The deputy First Minister extended his sincere sympathy to Ian Paisley’s wife, Eileen, his children and extended family.

Paisley & Adams

◼︎  Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams TD has expressed deep shock and sadness at the death of Ian Paisley.

Also speaking in County Louth on Friday, Gerry Adams said:

“I am shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Dr Ian Paisley.

“There will be plenty of time for political analysis but at this point I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Ian’s wife Eileen and to the Paisley family at this very sad time.”

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