Politics

Political reaction on Twitter to Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness' resignation

Outgoing Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and DUP First Minister Arlene Foster. Picture by Hugh Russell
Outgoing Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and DUP First Minister Arlene Foster. Picture by Hugh Russell Outgoing Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and DUP First Minister Arlene Foster. Picture by Hugh Russell
By Maeve Connolly

POLITICAL reaction to  Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness' resignation was swift.

Party president Gerry Adams praised his colleague for "10 years of valiant service".

Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson tweeted "As unwell as Martin is, he still oozes strength, dignity & leadership - he is my leader & I am so proud of him".

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long made reference to a Facebook post by Arlene Foster that raised eyebrows last week.

The DUP leader posted a picture on Friday of a guinea pig with rose-shaped pink glasses alongside the message "Can't see all the haters when I got my love glasses on" 
The DUP leader posted a picture on Friday of a guinea pig with rose-shaped pink glasses alongside the message "Can't see all the haters when I got my love glasses on"  The DUP leader posted a picture on Friday of a guinea pig with rose-shaped pink glasses alongside the message "Can't see all the haters when I got my love glasses on" 

Meanwhile, UUP leader Mike Nesbitt urged Justice Minister Claire Sugden to call a public inquiry into the Renewable Heating Incentive (RHI) by 5pm when Martin McGuinness' resignation will take effect.

Sinn Féin had rejected terms of reference for an inquiry into the botched heating scheme drawn up by the head of the civil service and last week proposed new terms of reference for a judge-led inquiry.

Writing in today's Belfast Telegraph Arlene Foster said she would have accepted a public inquiry even though "I do not believe that it is the best way to proceed".

DUP MP Sammy Wilson was critical of Sinn Féin's decision not to replace Martin McGuinness after his resignation.  

The SDLP put the blame for the RHI crisis and a looming election at the first minister's door.

Non-elected representatives were feeling the pain too.