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'Thank you' - Ian Paisley's words to Martin McGuinness 'Thank you' - Ian Paisley's words to Martin McGuinness
(about 1 hour later)
Ian Paisley has expressed his thanks to Sinn Féin's former deputy first minister Martin McGuinness. The Democratic Unionist Party MP, Ian Paisley, has thanked Sinn Féin's former deputy first minister Martin McGuinness, a former IRA leader.
The DUP MP said his "remarkable journey not only saved lives but made the lives of countless people better". He said his "remarkable journey not only saved lives but made the lives of countless people better".
On Thursday, Mr McGuinness confirmed he would not stand in the Northern Ireland Assembly election citing health issues. Mr McGuinness forged a friendship with Mr Paisley's father, former DUP leader Ian Paisley, when they were Stormont's first and deputy first ministers.
Mr McGuinness is not standing in the Northern Ireland Assembly election.
He quit as deputy first minister in a row over a botched green energy scheme, sparking an election on 2 March.He quit as deputy first minister in a row over a botched green energy scheme, sparking an election on 2 March.
Mr McGuinness forged a friendship with Mr Paisley's father, former DUP leader Ian Paisley, when they were first and deputy first ministers. Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness, who were once sworn enemies, formed an unlikely friendship in the top positions in government.
They were even dubbed the "chuckle brothers", due to their close friendship. They were even dubbed the "chuckle brothers" at one stage.
When Dr Paisley died, Mr McGuinness said he had lost "a friend".When Dr Paisley died, Mr McGuinness said he had lost "a friend".
'Thank-you''Thank-you'
Speaking on BBC NI's The View programme, Mr Paisley praised Mr McGuinness's contribution to the peace process.Speaking on BBC NI's The View programme, Mr Paisley praised Mr McGuinness's contribution to the peace process.
"I want to say thank you," he said."I want to say thank you," he said.
"It is important that we, actually, do reflect on the fact that we would not be where we are in Northern Ireland, in terms of having stability, peace and the opportunity to rebuild our country, were it not for the work he did put in, especially with my father at the beginning of this long journey"."It is important that we, actually, do reflect on the fact that we would not be where we are in Northern Ireland, in terms of having stability, peace and the opportunity to rebuild our country, were it not for the work he did put in, especially with my father at the beginning of this long journey".
Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy told the programme that the late Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness "were derided for the friendship they had, but people would like to see a few chuckles around Stormont today".Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy told the programme that the late Dr Paisley and Mr McGuinness "were derided for the friendship they had, but people would like to see a few chuckles around Stormont today".
Mr Paisley agreed with Mr Murphy saying: "Perhaps if we got back to some of that foundation work of building a proper relationship we could get out of the mess we are currently in."Mr Paisley agreed with Mr Murphy saying: "Perhaps if we got back to some of that foundation work of building a proper relationship we could get out of the mess we are currently in."
He added: "I can say thank you - honestly and humbly and recognise the remarkable journey Martin McGuinness went on has not only saved lives, but has made the lives of countless people in Northern Ireland better because of the partnership government we worked on and put together."He added: "I can say thank you - honestly and humbly and recognise the remarkable journey Martin McGuinness went on has not only saved lives, but has made the lives of countless people in Northern Ireland better because of the partnership government we worked on and put together."
"I wish him well in his retirement and hope he has time to get over his health issues and enjoy retirement time with his wife and family.""I wish him well in his retirement and hope he has time to get over his health issues and enjoy retirement time with his wife and family."