Martin McGuinness

Date of Birth: May 23, 1950

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: March 21, 2017

Biography

James Martin Pacelli McGuinness, widely known as Martin McGuinness, was a prominent Irish republican politician who played a crucial role in the Northern Ireland peace process. Born in Derry, Northern Ireland, McGuinness was initially involved with the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during the height of The Troubles, a period of conflict in Northern Ireland. He later transitioned to a political career, becoming a leading figure in Sinn Féin, the political wing of the IRA. McGuinness served as the Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland from 2007 to 2017, working alongside First Ministers Ian Paisley, Peter Robinson, and Arlene Foster. His partnership with Ian Paisley, a former staunch opponent, was particularly noted for its surprising and effective cooperation, earning them the nickname “The Chuckle Brothers.” Beyond his political endeavors, McGuinness was also a vocal advocate for peace and reconciliation. He was key in the negotiations leading to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, which brought an end to most of the violence associated with The Troubles.

5 Interesting Facts about Martin McGuinness

1. McGuinness was a former member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army and was second-in-command of the IRA in Derry during the Bloody Sunday massacre in 1972.

2. He was a pivotal figure in the peace process, leading to the Good Friday Agreement, which significantly reduced the violence in Northern Ireland.

3. His unexpected friendship with Ian Paisley, a former hardline unionist, became a symbol of reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

4. McGuinness ran for the Presidency of Ireland in 2011, finishing third in the election.

5. He resigned as Deputy First Minister in 2017, citing the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal and the refusal of Arlene Foster to step aside as reasons, which led to a collapse of the Northern Ireland Executive.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Martin McGuinness

1. “The reality is that the people of Ireland, North and South, want this peace process to work.”

2. “Let everyone leave here today with a renewed commitment to the principles of equality and mutual respect.”

3. “We have to move beyond recrimination and division, and work together to build a new future for all our people.”

4. “The past cannot be changed, but the future is ours to shape if we choose it.”

5. “I was born in a united Ireland. I want to die in a united Ireland.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Martin McGuinness’s net worth was estimated to be modest, reflecting his salary as a public servant. There is no verified record of significant personal wealth.

Children

Martin McGuinness had four children with his wife, Bernadette Canning: Fiachra, Emmet, Fionnuala, and Gráinne. His family remained a private and supportive aspect of his life throughout his political career.