Northern Ireland

Book of condolence opened in Derry for Martin McGuinness

 Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams leaves the home of Martin McGuinness. Picture by Niall Carson/PA Wire
 Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams leaves the home of Martin McGuinness. Picture by Niall Carson/PA Wire  Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams leaves the home of Martin McGuinness. Picture by Niall Carson/PA Wire

A book of condolence has been opened at the Guildhall in Derry in memory of Martin McGuinness.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Hilary McClintock said the Sinn Féin veteran was "a towering figure in Northern Ireland in general and in the city of Londonderry in particular".

“Whilst there will continue to be a diverse range of opinions on Mr McGuinness’ contribution to society over his lifetime it is clear that he had a passion for the city and the wider north west area. In recent years his contribution helped build on the relative peace we now enjoy," the DUP councillor said.

A tricolour flies at half-mast at Free Derry Corner in the Bogside area of Derry today after the death of Sinn Féin veteran Martin McGuinness. Picture by Justin Kernoghan, Photopress
A tricolour flies at half-mast at Free Derry Corner in the Bogside area of Derry today after the death of Sinn Féin veteran Martin McGuinness. Picture by Justin Kernoghan, Photopress A tricolour flies at half-mast at Free Derry Corner in the Bogside area of Derry today after the death of Sinn Féin veteran Martin McGuinness. Picture by Justin Kernoghan, Photopress

“As mayor of the city and surrounding district I know that many people are today both in shock and deeply saddened by his passing. I want to extend, both personally, and on behalf of the council, my sympathy to Mr McGuinness’ wife Bernie and his family circle at this deeply traumatic time.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the McGuinness family today as they mourn the passing of a husband, father and a grandfather. I pray that they may find some comfort from the fact that God can draw near to them and sustain them in the days ahead.”

Members of the public can also sign the book online via www.derrystrabane.com/Subsites/Mayor/Mayors-Book-of-Condolences/Martin-McGuinness 

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin has organised a vigil in Belfast tonight to mark the death.

People are asked to meet at the former Andersonstown barracks site, at the junction of the Glen Road and the Falls Road, in west Belfast at 7.30pm.

Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness in 1987
Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness in 1987 Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness in 1987