Martin McGuinness pays tribute to Ian Paisley

Martin McGuinness has paid tribute to the work of former political opponent and friend Dr Ian Paisley.

"Over a number of decades we were political opponents and held very different views on many, many issues but the one thing we were absolutely united on was the principle that our people were better able to govern themselves than any British government," Mr McGuinness said.

"I want to pay tribute to and comment on the work he did in the latter days of his political life in building agreement and leading unionism into a new accommodation with republicans and nationalists.

"In the brief period that we worked together in the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister I developed a close working relationship with him which developed into a friendship, which despite our many differences lasted beyond his term in office.

"I want to send my sincere sympathy to his wife, Eileen, his children and extended family."