Mid Ulster - Martin McGuinness MP (original) (raw)

MARTIN McGUINNESS was born in1950. He became involved in the Civil Rights Movement in Derry after October 5th, 1968 and joined Sinn Féin in 1970. Since Martin was elected to the Ard Comhairle (National Executive) of Sinn Féin, he has played a major role in promoting and supporting the strategy of the current peace process.

Martin married his wife Bernie in 1974. They have four children, two girls and two boys. Martin McGuinness is Sinn Féin's Chief Negotiator, he has actively assisted other fledgling peace process’ throughout the world, including in Sri Lanka and Iraq. Martin has represented Sinn Féin in high level discussions with political leaders in Europe as well as America.

In 1997 Martin was elected MP for the Mid-Ulster constituency and reelected again in 2001 and 2005.

In 1998 and 2003 he was elected to the Assembly for the same constituency. He became Minister for Education in the new Assembly in November1999 and was widely acclaimed for his work.

In May 2007 Martin was appointed as joint First Minister in the local Executive; since then his leadership at home has been unparalleled. Since entering the Office of First and deputy First Minister alongside Gerry Kelly, Martin has continued to work tirelessly in delivering for citizens across the north, including attracting direct economic investment through hosting major economic investment conferences, building international relations, actively tackling sectarianism, racism and bigotry as well as developing cross community relations.