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Martin McGuinness has died, aged 66

Former Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Martin McGuinness, has died aged 66. The former IRA chief-of-staff was suffering from a rare heart condition and died in Derry’s Altnagelvin hospital surrounded by his family.

George Galloway joined us on the show this morning and said "there will be a great sadness in Ireland".

Sinn Féin President, Gerry Adams paid tribute to Martin. He said: "Throughout his life Martin showed great determination, dignity and humility and it was no different during his short illness.

President of Sinn Fein Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness in 1987

"He was a passionate republican who worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the reunification of his country."

Historic moment: Martin McGuinness shaking hands with Queen Elizabeth II

Prime Minister Theresa May paid tribute to Martin, saying he "played a defining role in leading the Republican movement away from violence".

While we certainly didn’t always see eye-to-eye even in later years, as deputy First Minister for nearly a decade he was one of the pioneers of implementing cross community power sharing in Northern Ireland

Theresa May on Martin McGuinness

Earlier we heard from Lord Norman Tebbit who called Mr Guinness a "coward" and went on to say that "there can be no forgiveness without a confession of sins".

In response to Lord Tebbit's strong views, British peace activist Jo Berry tweeted the following:

More information to follow.

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