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Martin McGuinness again refuses to apologize for his IRA past

West Brits accused of trying to derail Presidential election bid

CATHAL DERVAN,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 8:39 AM

Updated Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 8:39 AM

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Martin McGuinness

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Martin McGuinness has refused to apologize for his IRA past – and criticised the ‘West Brit elements’ he believes are trying to derail his Presidential election campaign.

Now actively on the canvass trail, McGuinness has again claimed that he played a ‘key part’ in changing Irish history for the better and once more questioned the focus on his previous life within the paramilitary group.

“My faith is in the people. There are west Brit elements in and around Dublin - some of them are attached to some sections of the media, others are attached to political parties and were formerly involved in political parties,” said McGuinness as he attended the National Ploughing Championships in Athy.

“And I say to all of them: I go forward on my record, and my record as a peacemaker, I think, is unequalled anywhere.

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Presidential contender Martin McGuinness says he will represent the ‘whole of Ireland’

Martin McGuinness will be the Sinn Fein Presidential candidate
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“I have never hidden my IRA past and those interested in it are interested in it in order to derail my campaign.

“I’ve been very upfront and said that when I was a young person on the streets of Derry, the British Army came to my city. The RUC were in my city.

“Both the British Army and the RUC murdered people in my city before the IRA fired a shot and I was part of a young generation that decided to stand against them in the Bogside, in Free Derry, and we did stand against them and I make no apologies for that.

“But I do think that when people examine my life and my role in Irish politics they need to examine it in the round. If people want to examine the past, then let’s examine the past of everybody. I’m not going to get into recriminating about the past.”

McGuinness also refused to confirm or deny that he had ever shot anyone when asked that question by a reporter.

He replied: “Why should I stand here now and begin the process of saying, ‘here’s what I did in the IRA?’ What would it be tomorrow morning? It would be a headline, so let’s not be silly.”

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seanomelbourne | Sep 27, 2011, 07:38 PM EDT

Stephen if your still around,what a pathetic attempt at wikipedia Irish.BTW pinhead!! cheann bioran stupid.

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merefalow | Sep 23, 2011, 07:17 AM EDT

whats to apologise for?any opologies should come from the people who have been trying to destroy irish people for centuries..

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Stiofain | Sep 23, 2011, 12:48 AM EDT

Dear John, Ionsai mo argoint, ni is ainm dom.Is mise na Eireann,Steve.P.S. An bhfuil a fhios agat ag agat ce go bhfuil Wolfe Tone? Ni fheadfaidh winger ca art frith-semitic a fhios, Pin Head.

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seanomelbourne | Sep 22, 2011, 08:45 PM EDT

Stephen(sic) you are just another plastic Irish Paddy.Sirpeter I'm disappointed you called them off!!!!

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sirpeter | Sep 21, 2011, 10:07 PM EDT

Georgy Boy.Been a Corkman I was watching the proceeding very carefully.There was a big fear that no one would turn out for the Queen.So the schools told the kids the Queen was giving out free Iphones if they went.So the went.That,s why she went across the road to meet the kids.Only kids turned up.Still we had her in our sights,but it was such a nice gesture.I called the men off.

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Stiofain | Sep 21, 2011, 08:17 PM EDT

In the early mid-70's a "peace" agreement COULD have been made with "The Officials" and NICRA for a "peace" agreement. Instead The Provisional Alliance appeared(Haughy/Boland/NorAid).An with that an agreement with/from English real estate investment(some U.S.A) to split The Irish Republican Movement.Apologizes are due from so many.Most apologizes should come from Joe Cahill,John Stephenson{sic],Adams,McGuinness for the defaming the name of Sinn Fein/Irish Republican Army, Theobald Wolfe Tone and James Connelly!NOT the least for their unproductive violence for 40 years!

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seanomelbourne | Sep 21, 2011, 06:45 PM EDT

As a proud Dubliner I agree with McGuinness.The west brit class in dublin (Mind you they are not all Dublin born) have conducted a pro British anti-Republican campaign.They write their anti-Irsh venom in the daily papers all owned by west brits.They know McGuinness has a good chance of winning and will lie and cheat to slander his good name.Their main concern is a unifier of Ireland becomes president and puts another nail in the coffin of partition.Martin doe,s not have to justify his past to the plastic Irish.

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GeorgeDillon | Sep 21, 2011, 04:39 PM EDT

McGuinness' slur on Dublin shows his ignorance. The real West Brits are in Cork. Witness their fawning before the Queen of England a few months ago. There was even a suggestion that Cork be renamed Queens County, and that the Duchess of York be also dubbed Duchess of Cork.

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sirpeter | Sep 21, 2011, 01:50 PM EDT

Dano.There are plenty ways of killing people.You can do it with the bomb or the bullet.But if you really want to tally up a much bigger figure you shift private debt to public debt so the money isn't there and so a person is kept waiting for life saving treatment.Just how many people will die because of a tightening up of our health service.That won't get much reaction my friend.But Dano it really doesn't matter what kills ya.Been on a waiting list can kill you just as fast or just one to few ambulances.I guarantee you in the next 5 years thousands upon thousands of people will die for no other reason but past greed.Yes Dano we know plenty of West Brits and Irish wanna be Brits were involved in that caper.

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Ernesider | Sep 21, 2011, 12:21 PM EDT

I appreciate Martin for what he has done and indeed for what he continues to do. However, at this time I believe he is not the best candidate for the job with Michael D. and David Norris running. Indeed if you cornered Martin he would agree with me. Martin's day will come and he'll be the man.

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DanOLoingsigh | Sep 21, 2011, 12:17 PM EDT

Those evil Dublin West Brits should be rightly condemned for their murder of children and innocent civilians throughout the 70’s and 80’s, kidnapping and torture, kangaroo courts and arbitrary death sentences. These and many more war crimes will all be revealed once Martin is Head of State

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Rebelforce | Sep 21, 2011, 12:03 PM EDT

I'm sure it will be refreshing for the people of the Irish Republic to have the pleasure of casting a vote for Martin McGuiness, someone who despises the old, inept political establishment in Dublin as much as they do. It's time for Hope and Change.

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sirpeter | Sep 21, 2011, 11:47 AM EDT

You tell those Dublin West Brits Martin.I know exactly what you are talking about.They are the hidden scourge of this country and always have been.If you look carefully these wanna be English and a few Irish gombeens are the ones who keep dragging this country down.It's about time we voted into power people whose loyalty is fully with the Irish people.

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cillowen | Sep 21, 2011, 11:17 AM EDT

dev creator of civil war in service to Britain was so beloved now, with awareness by conned souls find him being more interested in a homeland for his tribe. who knew?

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micky74007 | Sep 21, 2011, 11:15 AM EDT

Mr. McGuinnes, you will go down in history as one of the best Ireland has ever produced. You, Gerry Adams, Bobby Sands, Michael Collins, Patrick Pearse, and the rest of the heroes '16 had the guts to stand up to the brits and defeat them. God bless you and God bless Ireland.

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