Bloody Sunday Trust open book of condolences for 'great friend and supporter' Martin McGuinness

The Bloody Sunday Trust have said they are 'deeply saddened to hear of the death last night of Martin McGuinness, who was a great friend and supporter of the Trust, the families and the Museum of Free Derry'.

Trust spokesperson Tony Doherty said: “This is devastating news, and we would like to first and foremost pass on our condolences to Bernie and the rest of Martin’s family on the loss of such a well-loved husband, father, grandfather and brother.

“Martin was always a great supporter of the Bloody Sunday Justice Campaign, and of the work of the Bloody Sunday Trust.

“In particular, during the negotiations with Tony Blair’s Government in 1997, Martin was totally insistent that Bloody Sunday required to be reinvestigated. His insistence paid off in January 1998 with the announcement of the new inquiry; a move totally unprecedented in Irish-British history.

“More recently, as we sought to develop the Museum of Free Derry, and as some politicians in Government sought to prevent it from becoming a reality, it was Martin that we turned to for help and he did everything he could to remove blockages that others tried to put in our way. It is no exaggeration to say that without Martin’s help the museum might never have become a reality.

“The Trust will remember him as a true statesman, as someone who led from the front, who took risks for peace and who never forgot his roots in Derry’s Bogside.

“Martin had been invited to, and had agreed, to take part in the formal opening of the Museum of Free Derry, along with President Michael D. Higgins. When we officially open the museum in the near future we will remember Martin at that event, and his invaluable support for the museum. His support and friendship will never be forgotten.”

A Book of Condolences has been opened at the Museum of Free Derry.