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Martin McGuinness's sons attend memorial Mass for father in Washington

His wife Bernie, sons Fiachra and Emmet and daughters Grainne and Fionnuala were joined by family and friends at the church where thousands attended his funeral just over a month ago. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
His wife Bernie, sons Fiachra and Emmet and daughters Grainne and Fionnuala were joined by family and friends at the church where thousands attended his funeral just over a month ago. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin His wife Bernie, sons Fiachra and Emmet and daughters Grainne and Fionnuala were joined by family and friends at the church where thousands attended his funeral just over a month ago. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

The sons of former Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness attended a memorial Mass in Washington later in memory of their father.

Fiachra and Emmett McGuinness joined Sinn Féin's Gerry Adams for the Mass at St Peter's Catholic Church on Capitol Hill.

Afterward the Louth TD  met separately with the Congressional Friends of Ireland group on Capitol Hill and then the State Department during which he discussed the implications of Brexit.

Mr Adams said: "I outlined our proposal that the best way to defend the Good Friday Agreement, and to ensure that the two economies on the island are protected, is for the North to be assigned special status within the EU. It is also the only way in which the majority vote of citizens in the North to remain in the EU can be respected.” 

“I told both the Congressional Friends of Ireland Committee and the State department that Sinn Féin is fully committed to the restoration of the political institutions, but that this must be on a sustainable basis. The institutions have to work for everyone. They must also be based on respect, integrity and equality.



“I pointed out that the Irish and British governments have a key role to play in re-establishing the institutions, especially given that many of the rights issues are outstanding from the Good Friday and subsequent agreements."

The Sinn Féin leader also said that he is due to meet British Secretary of State James Brokenshire on Tuesday evening.

Mr Brokenshire began his three-day visit to the United States in Washington last night by praising the contribution of Northern Ireland firms in attracting international investment.

The secretary of state was speaking at a reception at the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington as part of his trip to the US.

During last night's event, Mr Brokenshire praised Northern Ireland firms attracting hundreds of international investors who employ tens of thousands of people.

He also spoke of the "highly educated, skilled and dedicated workforce" that exists in the north.

Mr Brokenshire will be hoping to re-assure politicians and business leaders that the region is open for business, despite the lack of an executive.

During the three-day visit to Washington and New York, Mr Brokenshire will meet with officials from the office of US president Donald Trump.

Topping the agenda will be the political situation in Northern Ireland, the need for foreign investment into the region and Brexit.

He is expected to hold discussions with Conrad Tribble of the US State Department and the US vice-president's national security advisor Andrea Thompson.

Former US Senator George Mitchell and various members of Congress will also be updated on the government's priorities in Northern Ireland.

Speaking ahead of the trip Mr Brokenshire had said it was "regrettable" his visit takes place "against a backdrop of political stalemate in the region".

However, he said it was a "timely opportunity to brief members of the US administration, who throughout history have done so much to support our efforts in moving forward the political process, on the current situation".

He added: "I also want to reassure them that the UK Government is determined to see devolved, power-sharing government restored".