THE widow of Martin McGuinness has spoken of her heartbreak and paid tribute to the "outpouring of love and solidarity" towards her family.
The former IRA commander, who later became Deputy First Minister, died from a rare heart condition on Tuesday aged 66.
Thousands of people, including president Michael D Higgins and former US president Bill Clinton, attended the funeral in Derry on Thursday.
In a statement issued through Sinn Féin, Bernie McGuinness, speaking publicly for the first time since his death, said that the family had taken "great comfort" from the "long queues" of visitors to their home.
"From Martin's return home on Tuesday, and until we left for the funeral service on Thursday, long queues of people visited our home. The family took great comfort from their presence," she said.
Martin McGuinness' funeral in pictures
"I want to thank the local businesses who during this time very kindly provided food and sandwiches for those visiting the house.
"I want to especially acknowledge the many thousands who attended the funeral. Words cannot express our appreciation at the outpouring of love and solidarity, which embraced us throughout Thursday."
Mrs McGuinness added: "I and our entire family have been touched by the efforts of so many to provide solace and comfort to us throughout this very difficult period."
She also thanked medical staff who cared for her husband during his illness and those who held vigils over the past week.
"I also want to express our deep appreciation of the many thousands of people who attended vigils in the course of the week in many parts of Ireland and overseas."
Mrs McGuinness said that despite his political involvement meaning he was often away from home, her husband was a "proud family man".
He said: "Martin was my husband, a father and a grandfather. He was a republican activist for all of his adult life. He was passionate about his political beliefs but also about his many other interests.
"Despite the frequency with which his political activism took him away from our home and family, he was at heart a proud family man who took great delight in the accomplishments of our children and grandchildren. He loved his family. And we love him. Our hearts are broken."
