Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leader for allowing this time this evening. I spoke about this earlier but, again, I want to express my heartfelt sympathies to Bernie and Martin's children, Fiachra, Emmet, Fionnuala and Grainne. Our sympathy and solidarity are with them in these difficult days ahead. Many republicans across Ireland and friends of Irish unity worldwide will be mourning the passing of Martin McGuinness.

To me, Martin McGuinness was a warm, kind and generous human being with a huge social and emotional intelligence which enabled him to reach out to form relationships, friendships and partnerships with people who had different opinions to his from the unionist community and many other communities throughout the world. Many people from different political perspectives admired and recognised his ability as a statesman and politician.

His first stint as education Minister saw him make the momentous decision to scrap academic selection at the age of 10. This was done out of genuine concern for the education of those from disadvantaged backgrounds such as his. Teachers in the Six Counties still speak with genuine affection of his time as a Minister. The turnout in the Bogside in Derry this afternoon was a sign of the regard in which the people of his native town held him. His family were the centre of his life. He often spoke of how he would travel home to Derry from Stormont, no matter how late in the day he finished. His one wish was to return home each evening to the family for whom he cared so much. Today his extended family and friends showed just how much he means to them.

The one constant in Martin's life was republicanism. It was much more than a political label to him. It was an embodiment of freedom, equality and unity. It was not easy to be a republican in the 1970s in Derry, from the arrival of the British military campaign, which brought death and havoc to the streets of Derry, to the long years of struggle and the move towards conflict resolution. I thought the former President, Mary McAleese, put it very well in context when she spoke earlier today. I want to thank the many people from all political sides and none who have expressed sympathies on the passing of Martin. The republican struggle brought many difficulties with it and Martin did not shy away from any of it. From his role as an IRA volunteer to a peacemaker, Martin faced difficulties, even in recent years when he spearheaded efforts at national reconciliation. There were obstacles facing him then.

Thankfully, it is now a safer Ireland in which to be a republican. There were many tough times of British oppression and aggression when republicans looked for leadership. Martin provided that leadership. That democratic space in which we as republicans operate now was carved out by the intellect, effort and basic human goodness of Martin McGuinness.

We will dearly miss Martin as a comrade and a leader. However, from talking to many republicans today, we are more determined than ever to achieve those very things dear to Martin, namely, freedom, equality and unity. People often talked of his endless energy and resolve. I have no doubt his desire for freedom, equality and unity will spur us on in Sinn Féin to achieve a better, fairer and truly united Ireland. Bobby Sands said that everyone has a part to play. Martin McGuinness certainly played his part and played it very well. For that, I will always be eternally grateful. I know many others will too. Go raibh síochán ar a anam Gaelach.