The Former Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Martin McGuinness has died.
He was 66.
Mc Guinness was diagnosed with a rare heart disease in December forcing him to retire from politics.
He's a former member of the IRA army council and led SF into the Power sharing serving alongside Ian Paisley, Peter Robinson and Arlene Foster.
Flags are flying at half mast across the Bogside in Derry where Martin lived.
Flags fly at half mast in Derry's Bogside for #martinmcguinness @TodayFMNews pic.twitter.com/iOuiFzxbb6
— Juliette Gash (@JulietteGash) March 21, 2017
Tributes have been paid by people on all sides of the political divide.
In a statement SF says "It is with deep regret and sadness that we have learnt of the death of our friend and comrade Martin McGuinness who passed away in Derry during the night. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him."
His friend and colleague the Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said:
"Throughout his life Martin showed great determination, dignity and humility and it was no different during his short illness.
He was a passionate republican who worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the re-unification of his country. But above all he loved his family and the people of Derry and he was immensely proud of both.
On behalf of republicans everywhere we extend our condolences to Bernie, Fiachra, Emmet, Fionnuala and Grainne, grandchildren and the extended McGuinness family."
President Michael D Higgins said his death leaves a gap that will be difficult to fill. He paid tribute to his 'immense contribution to the advancement of peace and reconciliation' in Ireland.
The PSNI Chief Constable Chief Constable George Hamilton said he's saddened to hear of McGuinness's passing. He said:
"our society suffered grievously throughout our troubled history; and many police officers and their families are among those who suffered. But Martin McGuinness believed in a better future for our community; and this is a vision shared by policing. Martin's journey in life challenges all of us who care about the future; to be prepared to change; to demonstrate leadership; and to work to understand the world, not just from our own perspective, but from the perspectives of everyone in our community"
