There has been a broad outpouring of tribute from U.S. politicians to Martin McGuinness, who died Tuesday aged 66.
By Ray O’Hanlon
U.S. political leaders have expressed profound sadness at the death of Martin McGuinness.
Led by former president Bill Clinton, a lengthy list of political figures have paid tribute to McGuinness, one of the primary architects of the Northern Ireland peace process.
Said President Clinton in a statement: “Hillary and I were saddened to learn of the death of Martin McGuinness, who devoted his life to his beloved Northern Ireland.
“When he decided to fight for peace, Martin was calm, courageous, and direct. And when he gave his word that was as good as gold.
As Sinn Féin’s chief negotiator, his integrity and willingness to engage in principled compromise were invaluable in reaching the Good Friday Agreement.
In the years that followed, he played an even more important role in ensuring that the peace would last - personally overseeing the arms decommissioning, joining the new government as the first Education Minister, and later serving as Deputy First Minister, and doing it all with a sense of humor and fairness that inspired both his friends and former foes.
My lasting memory of him will be the pride he took in his efforts to improve disadvantaged schools in Unionist and Protestant communities.
He believed in a shared future, and refused to live in the past, a lesson all of us who remain should learn and live by. May he rest in peace.
Congressman Peter King, who among serving members of the House of Representatives could probably claim to have known McGuinness for the longest stretch of time said: “Martin McGuinness was a warrior for Ireland and a warrior for peace.
“He was a man of absolute integrity. I am proud to say Martin McGuinness was my friend.”
Congressman Richard Neal, who along with Rep. King is Co-Chairman of the Friends of Ireland in Congress credited McGuinness with no less than changing the course of Irish history.
Said Neal in a statement: “It is with genuine sadness that I learned my great friend Martin McGuinness has passed away.
“I can say without hesitation that Martin was an individual who helped change the course of Irish history for the better.
I worked side-by-side with him for more than two decades in the effort to bring peace, justice and reconciliation to the island of Ireland.
“He was a leader who took extraordinary personal risks for peace to help build a shared future for the people he represented. And the conversation that is taking place on the island today about Irish unity is due in no small measure to the influence of Martin McGuiness.
“People from around the world new him as a peacemaker, a statesman and a gentleman. But I am going to miss my friend and his love of poetry, fishing and the City of Derry.
“During this difficult time, my thoughts go out to his wife Bernie and the entire McGuinness family. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Congressman Joe Crowley said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of McGuinness' passing.
“A giant for peace, he will be forever remembered for his attempts to bring change to all of Ireland,” said Crowley.
“I first met Martin more than twenty years ago during his first visit to the United States, though I knew of and admired him long before that visit. We became close friends and continued a relationship for years that was built on admiration and respect.
"Martin was one of the most extraordinary leaders I have ever met - never giving up on his belief in a united Ireland, while working to constructively bridge the divide with those who fought for a different future.
“His achievements, including the leadership shown during the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and his consistent, responsible support for devolution of power in the North, will be marked down in history as some of the most important efforts toward peace in modern history.
"I will forever treasure his warmth, friendship, and spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with Martin’s family and the people of Ireland during this time."
Philadelphia Congressman Brendan Boyle, whose father immigrated to America from Donegal, said: “It is with great sorrow that I learn of the passing of Martin McGuinness. This is a great loss for Northern Ireland and the cause of peace the world over.
“One of the great achievements in the world in the last fifty years has been the Northern Ireland Peace Process. Simply put, without Martin McGuinness, peace would not have been achieved and sustained.
“I pay tribute to Martin’s dedication to securing peace on the island throughout his long career working alongside three first ministers of Northern Ireland, and vow to honor his memory through my commitment to preserving that peace. I extend my condolences to the entire McGuinness family.”
Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg paid his tribute.
Said Bloomberg: “I first met Martin McGuinness at the 2002 dedication of the Irish Hunger Memorial in Lower Manhattan, with Irish President Mary McAleese.
“I later had the pleasure of welcoming him and his partner in government, and in peace, Rev. Ian Paisley, to New York’s City Hall.
“A meeting that had once been unthinkable could not have been more collegial. Around that table, and on other occasions, including at a U.S.-Northern Ireland Investment summit I attended in Belfast, First Deputy Minister McGuinness spoke about the power of economic growth to support peace – not only by creating jobs and reducing poverty, but by giving young people reasons to be hopeful.
“He recognized that New York City and Irish America could play an important role in that work, and our administration was glad to help support it. His commitment to peace, and to creating opportunities for the next generation, will benefit all communities in Northern Ireland for many years to come.”
Congresswoman Kathleen Rice said she was shocked and saddened by the news.
Said Rice in a statement: “I am shocked and saddened by the death of Martin McGuinness. Martin was many things to many people in his life, but through it all, he was a patriot who had relentless faith in the future of Northern Ireland.
“Amid the violence and despair of the Troubles, Martin believed that peace was possible, and his leadership helped make it a reality.
“I saw Martin at the White House St. Patrick’s Day party just over a year ago. President Obama walked by us on his way out, after working the room and shaking hands for hours, and he looked like he had somewhere important to be.
“But Martin decided that my 90-year-old Irish Aunt Ellen needed a picture with the President, so he grabbed President Obama’s arm with a laugh and made him stand with us while Martin took our picture. I’m grateful to have that memory of Martin and feel blessed to have known him.
“I offer my prayers and condolences to Martin’s wife, children and loved ones and to his colleagues and friends around the world. His life is a testament to humanity’s capacity to change, to choose peace over violence and reconcile even the most intractable conflicts. I hope that his legacy will inspire all political leaders in Northern Ireland to reaffirm their own commitment to the ongoing pursuit of lasting peace and prosperity.”
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli described McGuinness as a hero of the peace process.
Said DiNapoli in a statement: “Martin McGuinness was a hero of the peace process and the cause for reconciliation between Catholics and Protestants.
“It was through his transformative leadership, and through the efforts of the men and women of Northern Ireland, that peace was realized at long last.
“Northern Ireland today is a symbol of hope for people in conflict throughout the world, hope for the peace and justice that can be achieved when people decide to work together. That hope is Martin McGuinness’ legacy.”
