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Colm Meaney set to play Martin McGuinness in new film

Colm Meaney in 2009's Law Abiding Citizen 
Colm Meaney in 2009's Law Abiding Citizen  Colm Meaney in 2009's Law Abiding Citizen  (John Baer/John Baer)

ONE of Ireland's best known actors is set to play Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness in a new film.

According to reports, Colm Meaney is due to star in The Journey about the Sinn Féin politician's friendship with former DUP leader, the late Ian Paisley.

The 62-year-old Dubliner is best known for his roles as Miles O'Brien in Star Trek and Jimmy Rabbitte in The Commitments.

English actor Timothy Spall is to star as Mr Paisley.

Bangor novelist and screenwriter Colin Bateman is writing the film.

Mr Meaney supported Derry politician Mr McGuinness in his bid to become president of Ireland in 2011.

He compered a star-studded rally in Dublin's Mansion House alongside the Sinn Féin MLA.

Once bitter enemies, Mr Paisley and the former IRA leader forged a surprisingly close working relationship which led to them being dubbed the 'Chuckle Brothers'.

The friendship, and Mr Paisley's earlier agreement to share power with Sinn Féin, put him under pressure from people within his party and the Free Presbyterian Church he founded.

Following Mr Paisley's death in September last year Mr McGuinness said he had "lost a friend".