McGuinness reassures irish americans

Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minster Martin McGuiness has told Irish Americans that he has been deeply gratified by their “overwhelming support” for the peace process in Northern Ireland over the past few days.

“The message from America has been loud and clear, and we know that all Americans stand with us to ensure the success of the peace process,” he told the Irish Voice on Tuesday afternoon, shortly before he boarded a plane to California with First Minster Peter Robinson.

McGuinness said the “very strong statement” from the White House condemning the murder of two British soldiers in was especially welcome.

He also stated that he and Robinson will personally request that President Barack Obama visit the North in support of  the peace process when they meet him at the White House on St. Patrick’s Day.

“He is somebody who has had a huge impact in Northern Ireland. We would love to have him visit and to share with him the success of the process so far,” McGuinness said.

“I think people over there and here recognize that there is overwhelming support across every community for what we are doing. These people are trying to destroy the peace process, and they have no prospect of success.”

McGuinness pointed out that the Real IRA has been around for over a decade, and that the Continuity IRA was created in 1985 and had never been able to make a major impact on events apart from the Real IRA bomb in Omagh in 1998 that killed 31 people.

Meanwhile, U.S. leaders have reacted with fury over the new spate of violence in the north.    

The State Department’s acting spokesperson Robert A. Wood said, “The United States condemns the attack in Northern Ireland, that resulted in two deaths and injuries to others.  Our condolences go out to the families of the slain soldiers.  

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Nster.com