The former member of the IRA’s Army Council died early on Tuesday morning at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry with his family by his bedside.

McGuinness had been battling a rare heart disease and will be remembered as one of the most influential politicians in Northern Ireland’s history.

he former IRA leader became Sinn Féin's chief negotiator in the Northern Ireland peace process and played a central role in the power-sharing government following the Good Friday Agreement in 1988.

He was the country’s deputy First Minister from May 2007 to January 2017, standing alongside Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leaders Ian Paisley, Peter Robinson and Arlene Foster.

McGuinness stood down from his position in January, prompting a snap election.

Leading the tributes, president Michael D Higgins said: "The world of politics and the people across this island will miss the leadership he gave, shown most clearly during the difficult times of the peace process, and his commitment to the values of genuine democracy that he demonstrated in the development of the institutions in Northern Ireland.

"As President of Ireland, I wish to pay tribute to his immense contribution to the advancement of peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, a contribution which has rightly been recognised across all shades of opinion."

Gerry Adams, his closest political ally and the current Sinn Féin president, 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 reunification of his country.

“On behalf of republicans everywhere we extend our condolences to Bernie, Fiachra, Emmettt, Fionnuala and Grainne, grandchildren and the extended McGuinness family.”

McGuinness with the Queen in 2012

McGuinness was raised in Derry’s Bogside and left school aged 15, starting an apprenticeship in a local butcher’s shop.

In 1972, aged just 21, he was the IRA’s second-in-command in Derry at the time of Bloody Sunday, when 14 civil rights demonstrators were killed by British soldiers.

He was imprisoned twice - once after being arrested near a car containing explosives and ammunition, as well as for his IRA membership.

McGuinness claims he renounced his IRA membership in 1974. He then turned to politics.

Tributes included words from former Prime Minister Tony Blair who said: "I am very sorry to learn of Martin's death and send his family my deep sympathy and condolences.

"I grew up watching and hearing about the Martin McGuinness who was a leading member of the IRA engaged in armed struggle"

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