BELFAST, Ireland–Martin McGuinness, who shared his life story of going from being a commander in the Irish Republican Army to becoming a proponent of peace in that divided country with a gathering of credit unions last summer, has died. Mr. McGuiness, who praised the “ethos of credit unions,” was 66.
McGuinness was an active leader in the paramilitary movement that shattered Northern Ireland in the fight between Catholics and Protestants before becoming a peacemaker and serving as Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland.
“The world of politics and the people across this island will miss the leadership he gave, shown most clearly during the difficult times of the peace process, and his commitment to the values of genuine democracy that he demonstrated in the development of the institutions in Northern Ireland,” said Irish President Michael D. Higgins.
In his role as First Minister, McGuiness shared with the World Council of Credit Unions’ World CU Conference in Belfast in the Summer of 2016 how his life had come full circle.
CUToday.info had coverage of McGuiness’ story and his remarks to credit unions here.