Senate Resolution No. 1679

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of Martin McGuinness, dedicated
leader, distinguished citizen and devoted member of
his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those who made it their lifelong goal to bring about peace, and served
to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the world; and

WHEREAS, Martin McGuinness of Derry, Northern Ireland, died on
Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at the age of 66; and

WHEREAS, Born on May 23, 1950, Martin McGuinness made a name for
himself when he joined the Provisional Irish Republican Army in 1970,
working his way up to Chief of Staff by 1972; and

WHEREAS, Fighting against oppression and working towards the end of
British rule in Northern Ireland, Martin McGuinness was actively
involved in negotiations and peace talks; while initially believing that
British presence in Ireland could only be ended by armed struggle, he
later became a passionate believer in compromise, leading the republican
movement away from violence; and

WHEREAS, Martin McGuinness was one of the main architects of the
Good Friday Agreement, also known as the Belfast Agreement; this
arrangement formally cemented the Northern Ireland peace process, and
contained proposals for a Northern Ireland Assembly with a power-sharing
executive, new cross-border institutions with the Republic of Ireland
and a body linking devolving assemblies across the United Kingdom with
Westminster and Dublin; and

WHEREAS, Upon completion of this significant agreement, Martin
McGuinness went on to be the Minister of Education from December 2, 1999
to October 14, 2002; in 2007, he became a leader of Sinn Fein in
Northern Ireland, a position he held until January of 2017; and

WHEREAS, After spending his life in selfless service, enduring
decades of struggle, showing a remarkable resolve and unstoppable
commitment, Martin McGuinness will be remembered as a fearless
peacemaker, a patriot, and an admired comrade and leader; and

WHEREAS, Martin McGuinness is survived by his wife Bernadette
Canning McGuinness, and his four children, Grainne McGuinness, Fionnuala
McGuinness, Fiachra McGuinness and Emmett McGuinness; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Martin McGuinness leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Martin McGuinness, dedicated leader, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Martin McGuinness.