Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was saddened to hear this morning of the death of Martin McGuinness. His passing represents a significant loss not only to politics in Northern Ireland but to the wider political landscape on this island and beyond. Martin McGuinness will always be remembered for the remarkable political journey he undertook in his lifetime. Not only did he come to believe that peace must prevail but he committed himself to working tirelessly to that end and living for his convictions to that end. He was one of the chief architects of the Good Friday Agreement and he worked resolutely in the years that followed it in pursuit of its full implementation. He became Sinn Féin's chief negotiator in the talks that led to the Agreement and after the Good Friday Agreement was concluded, he was returned as a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly and served as Minister of Education between 1999 and 2002.

Mr. McGuinness went on to serve as deputy First Minister with three DUP First Ministers - Ian Paisley, Peter Robinson and Arlene Foster - before retiring from active politics in January of this year. His relationship with the late Dr. Ian Paisley in particular was remarkable given the very different backgrounds they came from. It was a mark of the man that Martin McGuinness was that he worked so closely and effectively with Ian Paisley for the betterment of all the people of Northern Ireland. As we know, he built a strong personal friendship with Ian Paisley which for many would be one of the most enduring images of reconciliation on this island. As deputy First Minister, he displayed great leadership despite being exposed to political criticism and indeed personal risk. This legacy of leadership will no doubt inspire the next generation of leaders in Northern Ireland.

I got to know him well in recent years, including through our working together on the North-South Ministerial Council. His commitment to securing enduring peace and prosperity for all the people of Northern Ireland was unwavering throughout this time. He strove to make Northern Ireland a better place for everyone regardless of background or tradition. I spoke with him on the telephone a few weeks ago when I expressed the hope that he would recover his full health. Unfortunately, this was not to be.

Above all, today is an especially sad day for his family - his wife Bernie, his children, Fiachra, Emmet, Fionnuala and Grainne, his grandchildren and the extended McGuinness family - and, of course, the people of Derry, who always held a special place in Martin McGuinness's heart. I offer my deepest sympathy to all of them at this sad and difficult time.

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