Martin McGuinness emerged from the complex political landscape of Derry to serve as a central figure in the Irish peace process. Spanning decades of service, his career included roles as an elected representative within the Northern Ireland Assembly and the United Kingdom Parliament, alongside his tenure as deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland between 2007 and 2017.
Political and Legislative Career
McGuinness held multiple parliamentary and assembly seats throughout his career. He served as a member of the 52nd Parliament of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2001 and the 54th Parliament from 2005 to 2010. From 1999 to 2002, he acted as Minister of Education. In 2011, he stood as a candidate for the President of Ireland.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Provisional Irish Republican Army Membership
Before his transition to formal politics, McGuinness was a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army. In 1973, the Republic of Ireland's Special Criminal Court convicted him of IRA membership following his arrest near explosives and ammunition. During these proceedings, he declared his involvement with the organisation. He later stated that he departed from the IRA in 1974 to focus entirely on his political activities within Sinn Féin.
Northern Ireland Peace Process
McGuinness functioned as a primary architect of the Good Friday Agreement, working alongside US Special Envoy George Mitchell. Following the St Andrews Agreement and the 2007 Northern Ireland Assembly election, he assumed the role of deputy First Minister. He remained in this position through several reappointments until his resignation on 9 January 2017, which he initiated in response to the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal.
Final Years and Death
In early 2017, McGuinness declared he would not seek re-election in the upcoming Northern Ireland Assembly election, citing significant health concerns. Reports indicated he suffered from amyloidosis, a condition affecting internal organs. He passed away on 21 March 2017 at Altnagelvin Area Hospital. His remains were interred at Derry City Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1950
- Died: 2017, Altnagelvin Area Hospital
- Citizenship: Ireland
- Minister of Education: 1999-2002
- Deputy First Minister: 2007-2017
- Buried: Derry City Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What offices did Martin McGuinness hold?
He served as Minister of Education, deputy First Minister, and as an elected member of the Northern Ireland Assembly and the UK Parliament.
When did he resign as deputy First Minister?
He resigned on 9 January 2017 following the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal.
Achievements
- Minister of Education (1999–2002)
- deputy First Minister (2007–2017)
- member of the 55th Parliament of the United Kingdom (2010–2013)
- member of the 54th Parliament of the United Kingdom (2005–2010)
