After making significant gains in the Northern Ireland 2023 council elections, Sinn Féin is now the largest party for the first time in both local government as well as Stormont. When all votes were tallied, the party has gained 144 seats, an increase from the 105 council members elected in 2019.

Sinn Fein Vice President Michelle O'Neill urged the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to stop opposing power-sharing at Stormont. The Alliance Party, a centre-right party, is in third place behind the DUP which has 122 seats.&nbsp;

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The DUP's objection of the post-Brexit trading regulations has prevented the parliament and governing executive of Stormont from operating. The largest party at Stormont following the assembly elections last year was Sinn Féin, but now it also thrives at the local government level. The outcome of the council election was dubbed "historic" by O'Neill.

She said that the goal of Sinn Féin's campaign, which has seen it gain ground in places like Coleraine, Ballymena, and Lisburn, was to provide "positive leadership, it was about a restoration of the executive, it was about making politics work".

Watch | Ukraine's Zelensky at centre of last day of G7 summit

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Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the head of the DUP, stated that his party wants to increase its support in order to have a mandate to ask for modifications to the post-Brexit laws so it could return to Stormont. "That's about ensuring that Northern Ireland's ability to trade with the rest of the United Kingdom is not only respected but protected in law, and that our place in the union is restored," he said.

<h2>Preference votes, seats&nbsp;</h2>

The Alliance Party now has 67 councillors, up from 52. The party finished third in the 2022 assembly election as well. The first-ever council seats in Ballyclare, Fermanagh, and Limavady are included in this.

First preference votes rose for Sinn Féin, the Alliance, and Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) from the 2019 council election. A 7.7% rise gave Sinn Féin a 30.9 per cent&nbsp;of the vote. The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) and Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) both had declines in first preference vote share. The DUP's share of the vote went down to 23.3 per cent from 23.8 per cent.

<h2>Northern Ireland main parties</h2>

The main parties in Northern Ireland are Sinn Féin (SF) and the Social Democratic and Labour party (SDLP), which represent Irish nationalists, and the Democratic Unionist party (DUP) and Ulster Unionist party (UUP), who represent the unionist community. Alliance is a cross-community, centrist party. Independents run for certain seats with Green party candidates. The three major British parties—Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat—have a longstanding practice of not fielding candidates. 
 
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After making significant gains in the Northern Ireland 2023 council elections, Sinn Féin is now the largest party for the first time in both local government as well as Stormont.

After making significant gains in the Northern Ireland 2023 council elections, Sinn Féin is now the largest party for the first time in both local government as well as Stormont. When all votes were tallied, the party has gained 144 seats, an increase from the 105 council members elected in 2019. Sinn Fein Vice President Michelle O'Neill urged the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to stop opposing power-sharing at Stormont. The Alliance Party, a centre-right party, is in third place behind the DUP which has 122 seats. Also Read | China streamlines marriage registration process for migrant workers amid looming population crisis The DUP's objection of the post-Brexit trading regulations has prevented the parliament and governing executive of Stormont from operating. The largest party at Stormont following the assembly elections last year was Sinn Féin, but now it also thrives at the local government level. The outcome of the council election was dubbed "historic" by O'Neill. She said that the goal of Sinn Féin's campaign, which has seen it gain ground in places like Coleraine, Ballymena, and Lisburn, was to provide "positive leadership, it was about a restoration of the executive, it was about making politics work". Watch | Ukraine's Zelensky at centre of last day of G7 summit × Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the head of the DUP, stated that his party wants to increase its support in order to have a mandate to ask for modifications to the post-Brexit laws so it could return to Stormont. "That's about ensuring that Northern Ireland's ability to trade with the rest of the United Kingdom is not only respected but protected in law, and that our place in the union is restored," he said. Preference votes, seats The Alliance Party now has 67 councillors, up from 52. The party finished third in the 2022 assembly election as well. The first-ever council seats in Ballyclare, Fermanagh, and Limavady are included in this. First preference votes rose for Sinn Féin, the Alliance, and Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) from the 2019 council election. A 7.7% rise gave Sinn Féin a 30.9 per cent of the vote. The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) and Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) both had declines in first preference vote share. The DUP's share of the vote went down to 23.3 per cent from 23.8 per cent. Northern Ireland main parties The main parties in Northern Ireland are Sinn Féin (SF) and the Social Democratic and Labour party (SDLP), which represent Irish nationalists, and the Democratic Unionist party (DUP) and Ulster Unionist party (UUP), who represent the unionist community. Alliance is a cross-community, centrist party. Independents run for certain seats with Green party candidates. The three major British parties—Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat—have a longstanding practice of not fielding candidates. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Northern Ireland council elections 2023: Sinn Fein becomes largest party in local government

Northern Ireland is all set for some major changes. Today, voters will head to polls to elect the new Northern Island Assembly. There are 239 candidates in the running for a 90-member assembly across 18 constituencies each with five seats.

Northern Ireland Elections: Sinn Fein set for Landmark win?

What’s next for Northern Ireland after Sinn Fein’s historic win?

In Northern Ireland, a major shift is expected as Sinn Fein received a majority of seats in Parliament. This is the defining moment for the British-controlled region. for more perspective on this, we're joined by Aleks Eror, Journalist.

Northern Ireland's 'New Era' begins, Sinn Fein vows to reunify Ireland

Northern Ireland is at the cusp of a new beginning. In a historic election, the region just elected a Nationalist leader for the first time. The Sinn Fein party has bagged the maximum number of seats.

Nationalist party wins for the first time in Northern Ireland, 'New Era' begins

President of Sein Fein party, once the political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on Sunday apologised for IRA's role in killing Lord Louis Mountbatten. Lord Mountbatten was Prince Philip's uncle and last Viceroy of India. The IRA assassinated Mountbatten in 1979 as part of a decades-long conflict waged between Irish republicans and those who wanted Northern Ireland to remain in British hands.

Sein Fein president Mary Lou McDonald's comment came just a day after Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth the Second, was laid to rest. He passed away at the age of 99 on April 9.

"Of course I am sorry that happened, of course that is heart-breaking," McDonald told Times Radio.

"I am happy to reiterate that on the weekend that your queen buried her beloved husband," she added.

It was the first time the political leader of Irish republicans has apologised for the bombing, with McDonald's predecessor Gerry Adams saying at the time that Mountbatten was a legitimate target.

Three other people, including Mountbatten's 14-year-old grandson and a 15-year-old boy, were killed when the IRA blew up Mountbatten's yacht in the Irish village of Mullaghmore.

Mountbatten was a mentor to Prince Philip and Prince Charles.

McDonald said Sunday that "my job, and I think Prince Charles... would absolutely appreciate this, is to lead from the front now, in these times.

"It's all of our jobs to make sure that no other child, no other family, irrespective of who they are, face the kind of trauma and heartbreak that was all too common sadly in all sides on this island and beyond," she said.&nbsp;

Around 3,500 lives were lost in the conflict between unionists and nationalists over the future of Northern Ireland that ended with a landmark peace deal in 1998.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

President of Sein Fein party, once the political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on Sunday apologised for IRA's role in killing Lord Louis Mountbatten. Lord Mountbatten was Prince Philip's uncle and last Viceroy of India.

President of Sein Fein party, once the political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on Sunday apologised for IRA's role in killing Lord Louis Mountbatten. Lord Mountbatten was Prince Philip's uncle and last Viceroy of India. The IRA assassinated Mountbatten in 1979 as part of a decades-long conflict waged between Irish republicans and those who wanted Northern Ireland to remain in British hands. Sein Fein president Mary Lou McDonald's comment came just a day after Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth the Second, was laid to rest. He passed away at the age of 99 on April 9. "Of course I am sorry that happened, of course that is heart-breaking," McDonald told Times Radio. "I am happy to reiterate that on the weekend that your queen buried her beloved husband," she added. It was the first time the political leader of Irish republicans has apologised for the bombing, with McDonald's predecessor Gerry Adams saying at the time that Mountbatten was a legitimate target. Three other people, including Mountbatten's 14-year-old grandson and a 15-year-old boy, were killed when the IRA blew up Mountbatten's yacht in the Irish village of Mullaghmore. Mountbatten was a mentor to Prince Philip and Prince Charles. McDonald said Sunday that "my job, and I think Prince Charles... would absolutely appreciate this, is to lead from the front now, in these times. "It's all of our jobs to make sure that no other child, no other family, irrespective of who they are, face the kind of trauma and heartbreak that was all too common sadly in all sides on this island and beyond," she said. Around 3,500 lives were lost in the conflict between unionists and nationalists over the future of Northern Ireland that ended with a landmark peace deal in 1998. (With inputs from agencies)

Sinn Fein apologises for IRA killing of Lord Mountbatten, Prince Philip's uncle

PM Leo Varadkar has resigned after Ireland parliament entered deadlock over the choice of a new premier.

However, he retained his role as the interim leader while the country's three main parties battle out coalition talks after an inconclusive election.

He handed over his resignation to President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinn-fein-surges-as-most-popular-party-in-irish-election-279810">Michael Higgins</a> after a tempestuous but inconclusive sitting of the Dáil Éireann, which met for the first time since the February 8 election.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinn-fein-surges-as-most-popular-party-in-irish-election-279810">Sinn Fein surges as most popular party in Irish election</a>

It adjourned until March 5, giving party leaders three weeks to try to form a ruling coalition.

"In accordance with the constitution, the government will continue to carry on their duties until successors have been appointed," a government statement said.

Varadkar, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinn-fein-surges-as-most-popular-party-in-irish-election-279810">Sinn Fein</a> leader, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinn-fein-surges-as-most-popular-party-in-irish-election-279810">Mary Lou McDonald</a>, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinn-fein-surges-as-most-popular-party-in-irish-election-279810">Fianna Fail</a> leader, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinn-fein-surges-as-most-popular-party-in-irish-election-279810">Micheal Martin</a>, and the Green party leader, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinn-fein-surges-as-most-popular-party-in-irish-election-279810">Eamon Ryan</a>, were nominated by their parties but all, as expected, fell far short of an 80-seat majority in the 160-seat chamber.

McDonald won the most 45 votes, with 84 against and 29 abstentions.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-the-end-for-varadkar-is-nigh-irish-vote-may-give-sinn-fein-a-surging-lead-279496">The end for Varadkar is nigh</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinn-fein-surges-as-most-popular-party-in-irish-election-279810">Sinn Fein</a>, which once served as the political wing of paramilitary the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinn-fein-surges-as-most-popular-party-in-irish-election-279810">Irish Republican Army</a> (IRA), became the second biggest party with 37 seats, breaking the historic duopoly of centre-right parties Fine Gael and Fianna Fail.

However, the 33rd dáil ended in a stalemate.

"The onus is on those who have made enormous promises of change to people during this election, who are entrusted with that mandate to bring a programme for government to the Dail for approval,"&nbsp;Varadkar&nbsp;said in parliament before departing to resign.&nbsp;

"If they cannot, they should say so and be upfront and honest about their failure, and the empty promises they made," he added.

Sinn Fein has been historically associated with the IRA which fought British rule in Northern Ireland for decades until the late 1990s when a peace agreement largely ended violence that left more than 3,000 dead on all sides.

It won the popular vote with 24.5 per cent of first preference ballots and picked up 14 seats by attracting voters with a campaign focusing on Ireland's housing shortage and health crisis.

PM Leo Varadkar has resigned after Ireland parliament entered deadlock over the choice of a new premier. However, he retained his role as the interim leader while the country's three main parties battle out coalition talks after an inconclusive election.

PM Leo Varadkar has resigned after Ireland parliament entered deadlock over the choice of a new premier. However, he retained his role as the interim leader while the country's three main parties battle out coalition talks after an inconclusive election. He handed over his resignation to President Michael Higgins after a tempestuous but inconclusive sitting of the Dáil Éireann, which met for the first time since the February 8 election. Also read: Sinn Fein surges as most popular party in Irish election It adjourned until March 5, giving party leaders three weeks to try to form a ruling coalition. "In accordance with the constitution, the government will continue to carry on their duties until successors have been appointed," a government statement said. Varadkar, the Sinn Fein leader, Mary Lou McDonald, the Fianna Fail leader, Micheal Martin, and the Green party leader, Eamon Ryan, were nominated by their parties but all, as expected, fell far short of an 80-seat majority in the 160-seat chamber. McDonald won the most 45 votes, with 84 against and 29 abstentions. Also read: The end for Varadkar is nigh Sinn Fein, which once served as the political wing of paramilitary the Irish Republican Army (IRA), became the second biggest party with 37 seats, breaking the historic duopoly of centre-right parties Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. However, the 33rd dáil ended in a stalemate. "The onus is on those who have made enormous promises of change to people during this election, who are entrusted with that mandate to bring a programme for government to the Dail for approval," Varadkar said in parliament before departing to resign. "If they cannot, they should say so and be upfront and honest about their failure, and the empty promises they made," he added. Sinn Fein has been historically associated with the IRA which fought British rule in Northern Ireland for decades until the late 1990s when a peace agreement largely ended violence that left more than 3,000 dead on all sides. It won the popular vote with 24.5 per cent of first preference ballots and picked up 14 seats by attracting voters with a campaign focusing on Ireland's housing shortage and health crisis.

PM Leo Varadkar resigns after Irish government enters stalemate

Nationalist party Sinn Fein won the popular vote in Ireland's general election, ballot counts revealed Sunday, with the one-time political wing of the IRA disrupting a duopoly of centre-right parties which have historically controlled the Republic.

Nationalist party Sinn Fein won the popular vote in Ireland's general election, ballot counts revealed Sunday, with the one-time political wing of the IRA disrupting a duopoly of centre-right parties which have historically controlled the Republic. After all 39 constituencies across Ireland were tallied Sinn Fein received 24.5 per cent of the first preference vote, outstripping the opposition Fianna Fail party on 22.2 per cent and incumbent prime minister Leo Varadkar's governing Fine Gael party on 20.9 percent. Ireland operates on a single transferable vote system and Sinn Fein ran a slate of just 42 candidates for the 159 seats contested, meaning its strong performance may not result in it becoming the biggest party in Ireland's next parliament. But the left-wing party started celebrating its surge after campaigning on issues of healthcare and housing. "It's official (Sinn Fein) won the election -- highest popular vote," tweeted leader Mary Lou McDonald. Counting is expected to continue on Monday, with analysts saying it could take two to three days before full results are known. Ending the duopoly Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have traditionally taken turns in power in the Republic. "It seems that we have now a three party system," said Varadkar at the counting centre for his Dublin West constituency. "That is going to make forming a government quite difficult." Varadkar failed to take the first of four seats as the count unfolded, with a Sinn Fein candidate announced as the first new lawmaker in his region. Varadkar was elected on the fifth round of vote counts, relying on redistributed ballots in a morale-bruising episode for the premier. At 2315 GMT state broadcaster RTE reported that 60 of 159 seats were filled, with 29 going to Sinn Fein. But due to ballot transfers and Sinn Fein's smaller slate of candidates an overall seat forecast should not be extrapolated from the early set of lawmakers elected. Main parties 'in denial' Leaders entered negotiation mode as it became clear the next government will need to contain more than one party. McDonald arrived at the main count centre in the capital to a huge fanfare from supporters and was returned to her central Dublin seat on Sunday evening. "This is changing the shape of an old Irish politics. This is not a transient thing, this is just the beginning," she told reporters. In the last election in 2016, Sinn Fein got 13.8 percent of the vote. McDonald said the two other main parties were "still in a state of denial, they're still not listening to what the people have said". The 50-year-old said she ideally wanted "a government with no Fianna Fail or no Fine Gael in it" and had made contact with smaller parties, but added: "I will talk to and listen to everybody." Sinn Fein's flagship policy is uniting Ireland and the British territory of Northern Ireland, reversing the partition of the island of Ireland in 1921. Varadkar reiterated his campaign position that he would not form a coalition with Sinn Fein because of its past links to the Irish Republican Army paramilitary. "Nobody can be forced into some sort of forced marriage or forced coalition," he said. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin was elected to his seat in the city of Cork. He has previously said he would not back Fine Gael in a "grand coalition". But on Sunday night he seemed to soften his stance against a potential coalition with Sinn Fein. A total shift "This is not just a change election -- it has changed Irish elections themselves for the foreseeable future," wrote columnist Fintan O'Toole in The Irish Times newspaper. "For a huge chunk of voters, change is being seen as something that comes from outside the system." Sinn Fein was "once inextricable from the IRA" and considered a "pariah" he said, but younger voters in particular were drawn by the party's promise of addressing income inequality. Notably, an exit poll put Sinn Fein comfortably ahead with voters aged 18-24 and 25-34, with support at 32 percent in each age bracket. But even once the make-up of the new chamber emerges, it could take much longer to cobble together a government. Following Ireland's 2016 election it took 70 days before a new minority coalition government was formed under Fine Gael.

Sinn Fein surges as most popular party in Irish election

Support for left-wing Irish nationalists Sinn Fein surged in an election on Saturday, leaving it tied with the party of Prime Minister Leo Varadkar but unlikely to emerge with the highest number of seats, an exit poll showed.

Support for left-wing Irish nationalists Sinn Fein surged in an election on Saturday, leaving it tied with the party of Prime Minister Leo Varadkar but unlikely to emerge with the highest number of seats, an exit poll showed. Instead Varadkar's Fine Gael is likely to compete with fellow centre-right rival Fianna Fail to secure the most seats and the right to try to form a coalition government - a task analysts called extremely difficult. The Ipsos MRBI exit poll showed Fine Gael on 22.4%, Sinn Fein on 22.3% and pre-election favourites Fianna Fail on 22.2%. Sinn Fein, the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), is likely to fall behind the other two parties because it fielded far fewer candidates. Still, its breakthrough represents a major realignment of Irish politics, which for a century has been dominated by Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. "It's a very, very good result for Sinn Fein... but even though it is a statistical tie, we would expect Fine Gael and Fianna Fail to fight it out to get the most seats," said Gary Murphy, Professor of Politics at Dublin City University. Fianna Fail has ruled out going into coalition for the first time with Fine Gael and both parties say they will not govern with Sinn Fein, meaning there is no obvious government to be formed, he added. "There are very rocky times ahead," he said. "HISTORICAL ELECTION" Counting begins at 0900 GMT on Sunday with some results expected from early afternoon. The final and potentially decisive seats in Ireland's 160-member parliament may not be filled until Monday or even later. Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have said they will look to smaller parties to form what would likely be another minority government requiring support of one of the two main parties from the opposition benches. The parties have swapped power at every election since emerging from the opposing sides of Ireland's 1920s civil war. They have similar policies on the economy and Brexit trade talks. Sinn Fein has moved on from the long leadership of Gerry Adams, seen by many as the face of a bloody IRA war against British rule in Northern Ireland. Its candidates were the biggest gainers by vote share, up from 14% at the last election in 2016. With Fine Gael and Fianna Fail marginally down, the outcome demonstrated some appetite for change. "The days of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail dominating Irish politics are over," Fine Gael parliamentary party chairman Martin Heydon told national broadcaster RTE. "Our elections are becoming more volatile. More like a lot of other European countries. The ability to form governments is going to be hard after this." A new generation of politicians led by Mary Lou McDonald spearheaded the groundswell of support for Sinn Fein, particularly among younger voters on the defining election issue of the cost and availability of housing. Her deputy leader in the Irish parliament, Pearse Doherty, said the exit poll represented a vote of "a historic nature" for the party. "You can see in the figures there today that there is a mood for change," he told RTE.

Sinn Fein Irish election surge leaves three main parties tied

The exit polls showed that Left-wing Irish nationalists Sinn Féin received support in an election on Saturday, tying it with Prime Minister Leo Varadkar's party but unlikely to emerge with the most seats

Ireland Exit polls: Sinn Fein surge leaves three main parties tied

Irish voters look likely to dump Prime Minister Leo Varadkar from power in an election on Saturday amid a surge by Sinn Fein that could alter the political landscape, even though the nationalist party is unlikely to win a place in government this time.

Opinion polls in recent days have pointed to the main opposition Fianna Fail winning the most seats and forming a multi-party coalition or minority government, with policies on the economy and post-Brexit broadly similar to those of Varadkar and his centre-right Fine Gael.

However, the left-wing Sinn Fein could win the popular vote if the vote reflects recent polls. On Monday, the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) was polling at 25 per cent, ahead of Fianna Fail on 23 per cent and Fine Gael on 20 per cent.

<img alt="Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c28cfae-9132-4966-8a6c-dd3cf795d5a8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_68.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Sinn Fein has put forward too few candidates to capitalise, as the groundswell of support caught the party itself off guard after it sunk to 9 per cent at local elections last year. Analysts say it may only be able to gain a few seats and retain its position as the third-largest party in parliament.

Yet while both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael insist they will not govern with Sinn Fein, citing its IRA past and differing economic policies, such an outcome would demonstrate an appetite for change in decades-long centrist Ireland.

The IRA fought against British rule in Northern Ireland in a 30-year conflict in which some 3,600 people were killed before a 1998 peace deal. Sinn Fein's ultimate aim is to unify Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland, where it shares power.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/northern-ireland-abortion-laws-violate-womens-rights-un-body-33835">Northern Ireland abortion laws violate women's rights: UN body</a>

Polls close at 2200 GMT on Saturday and will be followed immediately by an exit poll giving the first indication of the outcome. Counting begins at 0900 GMT on Sunday with some results expected from the early afternoon.

"We just need a change in Ireland, it's very obvious," said Eilis Wall, a 40-year-old preschool owner who travelled 200 km (125 miles)to Dublin from the western county of Clare on Wednesday to join thousands of childcare workers calling for better state funding.

"Fine Gael has let us down and Fianna Fail were worse before that. I'm voting for change," she said, adding that meant switching to Sinn Fein from Fine Gael.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irish-pm-leo-varadkar-to-hold-a-parliamentary-election-in-february-274252">Irish PM Leo Varadkar to hold a parliamentary election in February</a>

Wall said she plans to change careers away from childcare because she cannot save for a pension - the sort of economic worry affecting large swathes of voters who feel left behind amid a boom that has made Ireland's economy the fastest growing in the European Union for six straight years.

Varadkar had hoped the upturn his party has overseen since 2011 and his diplomatic successes so far on Brexit - helping prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland after Britain's departure from the EU - would extend his near three-year premiership.

<img alt="Varadkar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3b73db71-3487-48b6-99e7-00425b674e63" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_82.jpg" /> 
[Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar (Courtesy: Reuters)]

The strategy appears to have fallen flat amid domestic issues such as healthcare and housing. The immediate beneficiary looks set to be Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, a 59-year-old former teacher whose party suffered an unprecedented electoral collapse nine years ago after the government he was a member of had to seek an EU/IMF bailout.

The election could be most pivotal for Sinn Fein, which has moved on from the long leadership of Gerry Adams and is run by a new generation of politicians led by Mary Lou McDonald. The party has struck a chord with younger voters on the defining election issue: the cost and availability of housing.

"We're seeing a version of what we've seen elsewhere, a growing constituency, particularly among younger voters and those who feel left behind that the neoliberal agenda has not worked for them," said David Farrell, professor of politics at University College Dublin. "The gains Sinn Fein are making are consistent with what we're seeing in other democracies."

Irish voters look likely to dump Prime Minister Leo Varadkar from power in an election on Saturday amid a surge by Sinn Fein that could alter the political landscape, even though the nationalist party is unlikely to win a place in government this time.

Irish voters look likely to dump Prime Minister Leo Varadkar from power in an election on Saturday amid a surge by Sinn Fein that could alter the political landscape, even though the nationalist party is unlikely to win a place in government this time. Opinion polls in recent days have pointed to the main opposition Fianna Fail winning the most seats and forming a multi-party coalition or minority government, with policies on the economy and post-Brexit broadly similar to those of Varadkar and his centre-right Fine Gael. However, the left-wing Sinn Fein could win the popular vote if the vote reflects recent polls. On Monday, the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) was polling at 25 per cent, ahead of Fianna Fail on 23 per cent and Fine Gael on 20 per cent. [ Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Sinn Fein has put forward too few candidates to capitalise, as the groundswell of support caught the party itself off guard after it sunk to 9 per cent at local elections last year. Analysts say it may only be able to gain a few seats and retain its position as the third-largest party in parliament. Yet while both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael insist they will not govern with Sinn Fein, citing its IRA past and differing economic policies, such an outcome would demonstrate an appetite for change in decades-long centrist Ireland. The IRA fought against British rule in Northern Ireland in a 30-year conflict in which some 3,600 people were killed before a 1998 peace deal. Sinn Fein's ultimate aim is to unify Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland, where it shares power. Also Read: Northern Ireland abortion laws violate women's rights: UN body Polls close at 2200 GMT on Saturday and will be followed immediately by an exit poll giving the first indication of the outcome. Counting begins at 0900 GMT on Sunday with some results expected from the early afternoon. "We just need a change in Ireland, it's very obvious," said Eilis Wall, a 40-year-old preschool owner who travelled 200 km (125 miles)to Dublin from the western county of Clare on Wednesday to join thousands of childcare workers calling for better state funding. "Fine Gael has let us down and Fianna Fail were worse before that. I'm voting for change," she said, adding that meant switching to Sinn Fein from Fine Gael. Also Read: Irish PM Leo Varadkar to hold a parliamentary election in February Wall said she plans to change careers away from childcare because she cannot save for a pension - the sort of economic worry affecting large swathes of voters who feel left behind amid a boom that has made Ireland's economy the fastest growing in the European Union for six straight years. Varadkar had hoped the upturn his party has overseen since 2011 and his diplomatic successes so far on Brexit - helping prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland after Britain's departure from the EU - would extend his near three-year premiership. [Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar (Courtesy: Reuters)] The strategy appears to have fallen flat amid domestic issues such as healthcare and housing. The immediate beneficiary looks set to be Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, a 59-year-old former teacher whose party suffered an unprecedented electoral collapse nine years ago after the government he was a member of had to seek an EU/IMF bailout. The election could be most pivotal for Sinn Fein, which has moved on from the long leadership of Gerry Adams and is run by a new generation of politicians led by Mary Lou McDonald. The party has struck a chord with younger voters on the defining election issue: the cost and availability of housing. "We're seeing a version of what we've seen elsewhere, a growing constituency, particularly among younger voters and those who feel left behind that the neoliberal agenda has not worked for them," said David Farrell, professor of politics at University College Dublin. "The gains Sinn Fein are making are consistent with what we're seeing in other democracies."

The end for Varadkar is nigh; Irish vote may give Sinn Fein a surging lead

Irish Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/irish-prime-minister-leo-varadkar-visits-family-in-india-270879">Leo Varadkar</a> will ask President Michael D. Higgins to dissolve parliament on Tuesday in order to hold a parliamentary election in February, the president's office said.

The Irish Times and national broadcaster RTE said Varadkar had told his ministers the ballot would be on February&nbsp;8.

The campaign is set to pit the 40-year-old prime minister's record on the fast-growing economy against struggling services, particularly in the health service and expensive housing market, in contest polls suggest is too close to call.

Varadkar's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/northern-irelands-dup-oppose-united-kingdom-governments-brexit-plan-256446">Fine Gael</a> and the fellow center-right <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-ireland-beat-britain-in-the-brexit-divorce-battle-179372">Fianna Fail</a> are closely matched in opinion polls, and some distance ahead of their other rivals, increasingly the likelihood that one of the two parties with similar policies on the economy and Brexit will lead another minority administration.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We’ve made some good progress since I’ve become Taoiseach. But I know it’s not enough, and we want to do much more. <a href="https://twitter.com/FineGael?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FineGael</a> has the team, the track record and the plans to build a future we can all look forward to.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LookForward?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LookForward</a> <a href="https://t.co/Tox3EBxHVm">pic.twitter.com/Tox3EBxHVm</a>
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Fine Gael has led a minority government since 2016 through a cooperation deal with Fianna Fail, their fiercest rivals, after neither party came close to getting enough votes to form a working coalition last time out.

Varadkar, 40, became the once-staunchly Catholic country's first gay premier in 2017, a year after the last election when his party hoped a generational shift could lead them to a third successive term for the first time.

Fine Gael and Fianna Fail both refuse to govern with the country's third-largest party <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-general-election-a-look-at-possible-outcomes-of-the-uk-vote-267764">Sinn Fein</a>, once the political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), meaning smaller parties such as the resurgent Greens could decide whether Varadkar or Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin become the next prime minister.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar will ask President Michael D. Higgins to dissolve parliament on Tuesday in order to hold a parliamentary election in February, the president's office said.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar will ask President Michael D. Higgins to dissolve parliament on Tuesday in order to hold a parliamentary election in February, the president's office said. The Irish Times and national broadcaster RTE said Varadkar had told his ministers the ballot would be on February 8. The campaign is set to pit the 40-year-old prime minister's record on the fast-growing economy against struggling services, particularly in the health service and expensive housing market, in contest polls suggest is too close to call. Varadkar's Fine Gael and the fellow center-right Fianna Fail are closely matched in opinion polls, and some distance ahead of their other rivals, increasingly the likelihood that one of the two parties with similar policies on the economy and Brexit will lead another minority administration. We’ve made some good progress since I’ve become Taoiseach. But I know it’s not enough, and we want to do much more. @FineGael has the team, the track record and the plans to build a future we can all look forward to.#LookForward pic.twitter.com/Tox3EBxHVm — Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) January 14, 2020 × Fine Gael has led a minority government since 2016 through a cooperation deal with Fianna Fail, their fiercest rivals, after neither party came close to getting enough votes to form a working coalition last time out. Varadkar, 40, became the once-staunchly Catholic country's first gay premier in 2017, a year after the last election when his party hoped a generational shift could lead them to a third successive term for the first time. Fine Gael and Fianna Fail both refuse to govern with the country's third-largest party Sinn Fein, once the political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), meaning smaller parties such as the resurgent Greens could decide whether Varadkar or Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin become the next prime minister.

Irish PM Leo Varadkar to hold a parliamentary election in February

Northern Ireland's government will reopen for the first time in three years on Saturday after rival parties rallied around a new power-sharing agreement that can help the volatile province handle the pressures of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-at-mercy-of-politics-in-2020-experts-warn-273582">Brexit</a>.

The region's devolved assembly at Stormont collapsed in January 2017 over a scandal caused by the runaway costs of a renewable energy scheme.

Numerous rounds of increasingly acrimonious negotiations failed to reach a solution and basic services were left unattended.

Pro-Irish republicans and pro-British unionists were pushed into an&nbsp;agreement on Friday by the threat of a new regional election if they missed a looming deadline on Monday.

The UK government in London also promised a large cash infusion into the tiny but strategically vital region if the republican <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-general-election-a-look-at-possible-outcomes-of-the-uk-vote-267764">Sinn Fein</a> and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-britain-heads-to-polls-a-glance-at-last-three-elections-267767">Democratic Unionist Party</a> (DUP) came to terms.

"Sinn Fein has taken the decision to re-enter the power-sharing institution and nominate ministers to the power-sharing executive," party leader Mary Lou McDonald told reporters.

"We're ready to do business," she said.

DUP leader Arlene Foster earlier called the draft power-sharing agreement "fair and balanced".

"We are ready to go back into the assembly," Foster said.

The executive will meet on Saturday afternoon to select new ministers and assign various portfolios

The Belfast Telegraph newspaper reported that the DUP's Foster would be reinstalled as first minister and effective head of the government.

Sources told the paper that top Sinn Fein member Michelle O'Neill&nbsp;would serve as her deputy in a new executive that features several prominent women.

European Commission President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-years-of-arguments-british-mps-set-to-finally-seal-brexit-deal-273199">Ursula von der Leyen</a> hailed the agreement&nbsp;as "an extremely positive development for the people of Northern Ireland". &nbsp;

Friday's deal came with thousands of the region's healthcare workers on strike.

The latest talks were launched in the wake of a December 12 UK general election that saw both the DUP and Sinn Fein lose votes to smaller groups.

Analysts attributed the main parties' losses to voter frustration at their inability to reach a compromise that could let a government in Belfast take care of the region's daily needs.

A 1998 peace accord that ended three decades of violence over British rule of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-scrutinise-brexit-deal-as-january-31-deadline-nears-272604">Northern Ireland</a> in which thousands died requires the two main parties to share power.

The lack of an executive is especially fraught with danger for the region because of historic changes to its trade rules being imposed by Britain's pending withdrawal from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-warns-iran-nuclear-deal-may-collapse-273585">European Union</a>.

Northern Ireland's border with the Republic of Ireland to the south provides the only UK-EU land frontier.

UK Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intelligence-evidence-indicates-boeing-airliner-was-shot-down-by-iranian-surface-to-air-missile-trudeau-273282">Boris Johnson's</a> EU withdrawal agreement puts pressure on local authorities to maintain frictionless trade while preserving an open border on the island of Ireland.

Negotiations to revive Stormont have been stuck on disagreements over the use of the Irish language and a mechanism giving minority governments veto rights.

The draft requires the executive "to provide official recognition of the status of the Irish language in Northern Ireland" and "respect the freedom of all persons to choose, affirm, maintain and develop their national and cultural identity".

It also eliminates the veto mechanism and compels the parties to build consensus on issues of dispute.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-and-meghan-markles-possible-move-might-affect-canadian-taxpayers-273290">UK government</a> additionally promises to deliver a new financial package for the region that allows outstanding public sector salaries to be paid.

Downing Street called the draft deal "a balanced package" and that the precise amount of new funding would be spelt out when the agreement was reached.

"History is being made today," Irish Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ireland-british-take-it-or-leave-it-approach-amounts-to-no-deal-254585">Simon Coveney</a> after both sides confirmed their support for the devolved government.

It can help "show that politics in Northern Ireland can be a force for good and brings people together," he said.

Northern Ireland's government will reopen for the first time in three years on Saturday after rival parties rallied around a new power-sharing agreement that can help the volatile province handle the pressures of Brexit.

Northern Ireland's government will reopen for the first time in three years on Saturday after rival parties rallied around a new power-sharing agreement that can help the volatile province handle the pressures of Brexit. The region's devolved assembly at Stormont collapsed in January 2017 over a scandal caused by the runaway costs of a renewable energy scheme. Numerous rounds of increasingly acrimonious negotiations failed to reach a solution and basic services were left unattended. Pro-Irish republicans and pro-British unionists were pushed into an agreement on Friday by the threat of a new regional election if they missed a looming deadline on Monday. The UK government in London also promised a large cash infusion into the tiny but strategically vital region if the republican Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) came to terms. "Sinn Fein has taken the decision to re-enter the power-sharing institution and nominate ministers to the power-sharing executive," party leader Mary Lou McDonald told reporters. "We're ready to do business," she said. DUP leader Arlene Foster earlier called the draft power-sharing agreement "fair and balanced". "We are ready to go back into the assembly," Foster said. The executive will meet on Saturday afternoon to select new ministers and assign various portfolios The Belfast Telegraph newspaper reported that the DUP's Foster would be reinstalled as first minister and effective head of the government. Sources told the paper that top Sinn Fein member Michelle O'Neill would serve as her deputy in a new executive that features several prominent women. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the agreement as "an extremely positive development for the people of Northern Ireland". Friday's deal came with thousands of the region's healthcare workers on strike. The latest talks were launched in the wake of a December 12 UK general election that saw both the DUP and Sinn Fein lose votes to smaller groups. Analysts attributed the main parties' losses to voter frustration at their inability to reach a compromise that could let a government in Belfast take care of the region's daily needs. A 1998 peace accord that ended three decades of violence over British rule of Northern Ireland in which thousands died requires the two main parties to share power. The lack of an executive is especially fraught with danger for the region because of historic changes to its trade rules being imposed by Britain's pending withdrawal from the European Union. Northern Ireland's border with the Republic of Ireland to the south provides the only UK-EU land frontier. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's EU withdrawal agreement puts pressure on local authorities to maintain frictionless trade while preserving an open border on the island of Ireland. Negotiations to revive Stormont have been stuck on disagreements over the use of the Irish language and a mechanism giving minority governments veto rights. The draft requires the executive "to provide official recognition of the status of the Irish language in Northern Ireland" and "respect the freedom of all persons to choose, affirm, maintain and develop their national and cultural identity". It also eliminates the veto mechanism and compels the parties to build consensus on issues of dispute. The UK government additionally promises to deliver a new financial package for the region that allows outstanding public sector salaries to be paid. Downing Street called the draft deal "a balanced package" and that the precise amount of new funding would be spelt out when the agreement was reached. "History is being made today," Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney after both sides confirmed their support for the devolved government. It can help "show that politics in Northern Ireland can be a force for good and brings people together," he said.

Northern Ireland government returns after three-year suspension

Northern Ireland elected more Irish nationalists to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-johnson-we-have-a-powerful-mandate-for-brexit-268022">Britain's parliament</a> than pro-British unionists for the first time on Friday, after the largest nationalist party Sinn Fein narrowly won the final of the region's 18 seats.

That meant Sinn Fein kept its seven seats and the resurgent fellow pro-Irish SDLP won two, combining to pass the Democratic Unionist Party, which fell from 10 seats to eight.

The cross-community Alliance Party took the final seat, adding to the majority of anti-Brexit MPs after its share of the total vote rocketed by almost 10 per cent.

A first since the partition of Ireland in 1921, the result led to increased calls from Sinn Fein for a vote to split from the rest of the United Kingdom, as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-beckons-as-uks-johnson-coasts-to-commanding-win-267999">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> won a resounding majority across the union.

Northern Ireland elected more Irish nationalists to Britain's parliament than pro-British unionists for the first time on Friday, after the largest nationalist party Sinn Fein narrowly won the final of the region's 18 seats.

Northern Ireland elected more Irish nationalists to Britain's parliament than pro-British unionists for the first time on Friday, after the largest nationalist party Sinn Fein narrowly won the final of the region's 18 seats. That meant Sinn Fein kept its seven seats and the resurgent fellow pro-Irish SDLP won two, combining to pass the Democratic Unionist Party, which fell from 10 seats to eight. The cross-community Alliance Party took the final seat, adding to the majority of anti-Brexit MPs after its share of the total vote rocketed by almost 10 per cent. A first since the partition of Ireland in 1921, the result led to increased calls from Sinn Fein for a vote to split from the rest of the United Kingdom, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson won a resounding majority across the union.

In a first, Irish nationalists overtake unionists at UK election

Northern Ireland&#39;s former deputy first minister and one-time IRA commander Martin McGuinness has died aged 66, his Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein said on Tuesday.

McGuinness had resigned from politics in January, citing a serious illness and a breakdown in relations with the rival Democratic Unionist Party.

&quot;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,&quot; Sinn Fein said in a statement.

The BBC said he had died of a rare heart condition.

Sinn Fein refused to appoint a replacement for McGuinness in January due to a row with the DUP, its partner in a power-sharing government set up to bring peace to the province.

That triggered local elections in which Sinn Fein made major gains against the pro-British DUP and the two parties are currently deadlocked, meaning that the British government could impose direct rule of Northern Ireland from London.

Ten years ago in May McGuinness had made history by entering a government with his once bitter foe, Ian Paisley of the DUP.

The decision to share power was a key part of the peace process in Northern Ireland, which endured three decades of violence in which more than 3,500 people died.

McGuinness was a commander in the IRA paramilitary group that fought for the province to leave Britain and join the Republic of Ireland to the south.

In a memorable gesture that would once have been unimaginable, he shook hands with Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Belfast in 2012.

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams called his former colleague a &quot;passionate republican who worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the re-unification of his country.&nbsp;

&quot;Throughout his life Martin showed great determination, dignity and humility and it was no different during his short illness,&quot; he said in a statement.

McGuinness was born in 1950 in Derry, on the province&#39;s northern coast, and grew up in the city when it was riven by sectarian bloodshed.

He became involved in the civil rights movement as a teenager and rapidly rose through the ranks of the IRA.

He was second in command at the time of Bloody Sunday in 1972, when British soldiers shot 26 unarmed republican protesters in Derry, killing 13 of them.

He served prison time for IRA-related activities, but later became a peacemaker as he negotiated a deal with loyalists and the British government.

McGuinness became Northern Ireland&#39;s deputy first minister in 2007 working alongside former adversary Paisley, who was first minister.

Paisley&#39;s son Kyle tweeted that he was &quot;very sorry to hear about the passing of Martin McGuinness. Look back with pleasure on the remarkable year he and my father spent in office together.&quot;

More recently, he served alongside first ministers Peter Robinson and then Arlene Foster until he quit in January over an energy policy scandal.

Northern Ireland&#39;s Martin McGuinness, who died on Tuesday aged 66, is a former paramilitary who became a key behind-the-scenes negotiator for the peace process.

McGuinness, who resigned from politics in January due to ill-health and a breakdown in relations with the rival Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), died during the night, his Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein said.

He was a commander of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during its bloody campaign against British rule of the province, in which 3,500 people died in three decades of violence.

But the senior Sinn Fein member also helped negotiate the landmark Good Friday Agreement in 1998 for sharing power with one-time bitter foes the DUP.

The man described as a ruthless commander became a statesman who rubbed shoulders with prime ministers and presidents, as well as Queen Elizabeth II.

He said recently he hoped in the future to be &quot;an ambassador for peace, unity and reconciliation&quot;.

&quot;Reconciliation, I have always believed, is the next vital stage of the peace process,&quot; he said.

&quot;My record of reaching out, whether it be to Queen Elizabeth -- and her record of reaching out to me on several occasions -- my visits to the Somme, to Flanders field, have not been reciprocated by the DUP and that is a particular disappointment to me.&quot;

In his position as deputy first minister, McGuinness shook hands with the queen, whose authority in Northern Ireland he does not recognise, during her visit there in 2012.

&#39;Goodbye and God bless&#39;

He wished the monarch well in Irish, in a phrase that translates as: &quot;Goodbye and God bless&quot;.

McGuinness was born in 1950 in Londonderry in Northern Ireland, and as a teenager became involved in the civil rights movement.

He joined socialists Sinn Fein, now the main Catholic republican party, in 1970.

He became a member of the IRA and had risen to its second-in-command in Derry by the time of &quot;Bloody Sunday&quot;, the notorious day on January 30, 1972, when British soldier shot dead 13 unarmed civil rights protesters.

Although McGuinness escaped detention by the British in Northern Ireland, he was jailed in the Republic of Ireland in 1973 after being caught with 250 pounds (113 kilogrammes) of explosives and nearly 5,000 rounds of ammunition in a car.

At his trial, where he received a six-month sentence, he proudly declared his membership of the IRA, saying: &quot;We have fought against the killing of our people. I am a member of Oglaigh na hEireann (the IRA) and very, very proud of it.&quot;

Years later in May 2001, after McGuinness became a politician, he spoke of his membership of the IRA with a level of honesty that few of his Sinn Fein colleagues have matched and which has removed some of the toxicity from his past.

Peace negotiator

McGuinness moved into politics relatively early, becoming one of five Sinn Fein members elected to the short-lived Northern Ireland assembly in 1982.

He was involved in secret talks with British officials between 1990 and 1993, and after the IRA ceasefire of 1994, became Sinn Fein&#39;s chief negotiator in the painstaking talks that led to the Good Friday peace accords.

When a power-sharing government was established in 2007, McGuinness was appointed deputy first minister, working closely with First Minister Ian Paisley, the firebrand Protestant preacher who led the staunchly pro-British DUP.

The two men surprised many by striking up a warm relationship, and McGuinness continued good working ties with Paisley&#39;s successor, Peter Robinson.

But he fell out with Robinson&#39;s successor Arlene Foster, leading to his resignation in January.

McGuinness had said his ill-health, which required a period of absence from his role, was not the reason he resigned but said he was quitting politics to try to recover.

Sinn Fein refused to appoint a replacement for McGuinness due to a row with the DUP.

That triggered local elections in which Sinn Fein made major gains against the DUP and the two parties are currently deadlocked, meaning that the British government could impose direct rule of Northern Ireland from London.

McGuinness enjoys fly-fishing, and his condemnation of violence in his soft Derry accent have earned him death threats from the paramilitaries he once led.

The father of four has repeatedly condemned attacks by dissident republicans opposed to the peace process, and his outrage at the murder of two British soldiers in Northern Ireland in 2009 was seen as a bold step.

(AFP)

The BBC said Martin McGuinness, 66, had died of a rare heart condition

Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and one-time IRA commander Martin McGuinness has died aged 66, his Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein said on Tuesday. McGuinness had resigned from politics in January, citing a serious illness and a breakdown in relations with the rival Democratic Unionist Party. "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," Sinn Fein said in a statement. The BBC said he had died of a rare heart condition. Sinn Fein refused to appoint a replacement for McGuinness in January due to a row with the DUP, its partner in a power-sharing government set up to bring peace to the province. That triggered local elections in which Sinn Fein made major gains against the pro-British DUP and the two parties are currently deadlocked, meaning that the British government could impose direct rule of Northern Ireland from London. Ten years ago in May McGuinness had made history by entering a government with his once bitter foe, Ian Paisley of the DUP. The decision to share power was a key part of the peace process in Northern Ireland, which endured three decades of violence in which more than 3,500 people died. McGuinness was a commander in the IRA paramilitary group that fought for the province to leave Britain and join the Republic of Ireland to the south. In a memorable gesture that would once have been unimaginable, he shook hands with Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Belfast in 2012. Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams called his former colleague a "passionate republican who worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the re-unification of his country. "Throughout his life Martin showed great determination, dignity and humility and it was no different during his short illness," he said in a statement. McGuinness was born in 1950 in Derry, on the province's northern coast, and grew up in the city when it was riven by sectarian bloodshed. He became involved in the civil rights movement as a teenager and rapidly rose through the ranks of the IRA. He was second in command at the time of Bloody Sunday in 1972, when British soldiers shot 26 unarmed republican protesters in Derry, killing 13 of them. He served prison time for IRA-related activities, but later became a peacemaker as he negotiated a deal with loyalists and the British government. McGuinness became Northern Ireland's deputy first minister in 2007 working alongside former adversary Paisley, who was first minister. Paisley's son Kyle tweeted that he was "very sorry to hear about the passing of Martin McGuinness. Look back with pleasure on the remarkable year he and my father spent in office together." More recently, he served alongside first ministers Peter Robinson and then Arlene Foster until he quit in January over an energy policy scandal. Northern Ireland's Martin McGuinness, who died on Tuesday aged 66, is a former paramilitary who became a key behind-the-scenes negotiator for the peace process. McGuinness, who resigned from politics in January due to ill-health and a breakdown in relations with the rival Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), died during the night, his Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein said. He was a commander of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during its bloody campaign against British rule of the province, in which 3,500 people died in three decades of violence. But the senior Sinn Fein member also helped negotiate the landmark Good Friday Agreement in 1998 for sharing power with one-time bitter foes the DUP. The man described as a ruthless commander became a statesman who rubbed shoulders with prime ministers and presidents, as well as Queen Elizabeth II. He said recently he hoped in the future to be "an ambassador for peace, unity and reconciliation". "Reconciliation, I have always believed, is the next vital stage of the peace process," he said. "My record of reaching out, whether it be to Queen Elizabeth -- and her record of reaching out to me on several occasions -- my visits to the Somme, to Flanders field, have not been reciprocated by the DUP and that is a particular disappointment to me." In his position as deputy first minister, McGuinness shook hands with the queen, whose authority in Northern Ireland he does not recognise, during her visit there in 2012. 'Goodbye and God bless' He wished the monarch well in Irish, in a phrase that translates as: "Goodbye and God bless". McGuinness was born in 1950 in Londonderry in Northern Ireland, and as a teenager became involved in the civil rights movement. He joined socialists Sinn Fein, now the main Catholic republican party, in 1970. He became a member of the IRA and had risen to its second-in-command in Derry by the time of "Bloody Sunday", the notorious day on January 30, 1972, when British soldier shot dead 13 unarmed civil rights protesters. Although McGuinness escaped detention by the British in Northern Ireland, he was jailed in the Republic of Ireland in 1973 after being caught with 250 pounds (113 kilogrammes) of explosives and nearly 5,000 rounds of ammunition in a car. At his trial, where he received a six-month sentence, he proudly declared his membership of the IRA, saying: "We have fought against the killing of our people. I am a member of Oglaigh na hEireann (the IRA) and very, very proud of it." Years later in May 2001, after McGuinness became a politician, he spoke of his membership of the IRA with a level of honesty that few of his Sinn Fein colleagues have matched and which has removed some of the toxicity from his past. Peace negotiator McGuinness moved into politics relatively early, becoming one of five Sinn Fein members elected to the short-lived Northern Ireland assembly in 1982. He was involved in secret talks with British officials between 1990 and 1993, and after the IRA ceasefire of 1994, became Sinn Fein's chief negotiator in the painstaking talks that led to the Good Friday peace accords. When a power-sharing government was established in 2007, McGuinness was appointed deputy first minister, working closely with First Minister Ian Paisley, the firebrand Protestant preacher who led the staunchly pro-British DUP. The two men surprised many by striking up a warm relationship, and McGuinness continued good working ties with Paisley's successor, Peter Robinson. But he fell out with Robinson's successor Arlene Foster, leading to his resignation in January. McGuinness had said his ill-health, which required a period of absence from his role, was not the reason he resigned but said he was quitting politics to try to recover. Sinn Fein refused to appoint a replacement for McGuinness due to a row with the DUP. That triggered local elections in which Sinn Fein made major gains against the DUP and the two parties are currently deadlocked, meaning that the British government could impose direct rule of Northern Ireland from London. McGuinness enjoys fly-fishing, and his condemnation of violence in his soft Derry accent have earned him death threats from the paramilitaries he once led. The father of four has repeatedly condemned attacks by dissident republicans opposed to the peace process, and his outrage at the murder of two British soldiers in Northern Ireland in 2009 was seen as a bold step. (AFP)

Former IRA commander-turned deputy first minister dies

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