Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Fianna Fail leader Michael Martin pay tribute to Martin McGuinness - 'He strove to make Northern Ireland a better place for everyone'

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has spoken about Martin McGuinness's role in the Good Friday Agreement following the former deputy First Minister's death early this morning.

Mr Kenny said: "Martin will always be remembered for the remarkable political journey that he undertook in his lifetime.

"Not only did Martin come to believe that peace must prevail, he committed himself to working tirelessly to that end."

"He strove to make Northern Ireland a better place for everyone, regardless of background or tradition."

Micheal Martin, leader of Fianna Fail, said that Mr McGuinness had embraced the peace process more than most politicians.

"By his actions and words over the last 25 years, he demonstrated a keen understanding of what the peace process was all about.

"He worked to build bridges between the different traditions and communities on the island.

"He reached out to the unionist community in particular, and their leaders, to steer Northern Ireland towards a better shared future.

"His leadership with former DUP Leader, the late Reverend Ian Paisley, was a striking illustration of this."