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Martin McGuinness: The Man Who Knew

Dwight Blair

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Published in Martin McGuinness:: The Man I Knew

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Martin McGuinness was a complex and controversial figure, who played a key role in the Northern Ireland peace process. He was a former IRA commander, who later became a leading member of Sinn Féin and the deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland. He died in 2017, at the age of 66.

Early Life

Martin McGuinness was born in Derry, Northern Ireland, in 1950. He grew up in a Catholic family, and his father was a member of the IRA. McGuinness joined the IRA himself at the age of 18, and quickly rose through the ranks. He became a commander of the IRA's Derry Brigade, and was involved in some of the most violent episodes of the Troubles.

Martin McGuinness:: The Man I Knew

by Jude Collins

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Language	:	English
File size	:	1019 KB
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Print length	:	214 pages
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The Peace Process

In the early 1990s, McGuinness began to play a key role in the Northern Ireland peace process. He was part of the Sinn Féin delegation that negotiated the Good Friday Agreement, which was signed in 1998. The Good Friday Agreement brought an end to the Troubles, and McGuinness became a leading figure in the new power-sharing government in Northern Ireland.

Deputy First Minister

McGuinness was elected as the deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland in 2007. He served in this role until 2017, and during this time he worked to build cross-community relations and promote peace and reconciliation.

Legacy

Martin McGuinness was a complex and controversial figure, but he was also a key figure in the Northern Ireland peace process. He was a former IRA commander, but he later became a leading advocate for peace and reconciliation. His legacy is one of peacemaker, and he will be remembered as one of the most important figures in Irish history.

Additional Resources

BBC News: Martin McGuinness: The man who knew
The Guardian: Martin McGuinness, former IRA commander and Sinn Féin leader, dies aged 66
RTÉ News: Martin McGuinness dies at the age of 66

Image Credits

BBC News: Martin McGuinness: The man who knew
The Guardian: Martin McGuinness, former IRA commander and Sinn Féin leader, dies aged 66
RTÉ News: Martin McGuinness dies at the age of 66

Alt Attributes