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McGuinness: I have lost a friend

MARTIN McGuinness yesterday urged politicians to rise to the challenge of securing peace following Ian Paisley's death.

The Sinn Féin deputy first minister joined other politicians in paying tribute to the former DUP leader.

Mr McGuinness and Mr Paisley made history when they became deputy first minister and first minister respectively in 2007 after Sinn Féin and the DUP, the assembly's two largest parties, agreed to share power.

Mr McGuinness said: "I do believe the peace process has lost a great friend and I have lost a friend. "We all have to rise to the occasion, this is about peace making, it's about building a better future for our young people."

The Mid Ulster MLA, pictured, said his professional relationship and friendship with Mr Paisley - a source of much irritation in some sections of unionism and republicanism - should provide food for thought with the executive dogged by political stalemate.

"In rising above old enmities we pointed the way to a better and peaceful future," he said.

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams meanwhile signed a book of condolence at Belfast's City Hall. The Louth TD wrote messages in Irish and English, extending his condolences to Mr Paisley's widow Eileen and their family.

He said: "Many families who suffered the worst excesses of sectarianism may take issue with this but Ian Paisley is due recognition for reaching agreement with Irish republicans on a peaceful future for all of our people and for the way he fulfilled his role as first minister, alongside Martin McGuinness. "Together they proved that politics can work and that unionists and republicans working together could make political progress and overcome significant political difficulties."

* AS GAEILGE: Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams signs a book of condolence for Ian Paisley at Belfast City Hall yesterday. Part of his message was written in Irish PICTURE: Hugh Russell