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

pilib04: Martin can begin his Diplomatic Turncoating by learning her name. A tiny detail, but a start!

Mr McGuinness will not be representing me! Anybody who has a black past like his, and justified it by saying it was for me and the likes of me, cannot be trusted. Reading some of the comments reinforces my view that only residents of Ireland should be entitled to vote. People who lookt at the situation through green tinted glasses can't be trusted to vote responsibly. I was robbed at gunpoint by some of those "patriots". It's not half as glamorous when you are looking down a gun held by psycho thugs.

Looking at the quality of the candidates he's a shoe in

I see sirpeter is on yet another one of his flights of fancy! Does he really think that a majority of people in the Republic will vote a Sinn Fein politician to the Aras? I don't think so! I suspect he doesn't either.

Martin has already announced in the Belfast Telegraph, that as Uachtarn he will be glad to host Elizabeth Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Good for him. Up Sinn Fein.

Martin McGuinness has it right. If McGuinness can govern Northern Ireland with Peter Robinson and Ian Paisley, he will be able to serve as Uachtaran na hEireann. McGuinness is well known throughout the whole of Ireland and also among the Diaspora. Sinn Fein is on the move.

From the Bogside to the Presidency! It was a long road between. Ain't it wonderful.

Yes,quite right JBRAFTREE,they are well minded, I'm sure, as he was when I introduced myself at the BBC. Martin had eight jumpy men minding him at that time. I still stand my my hunch though ~ as somebody once said: "They have to be lucky all the time - we only have to be lucky once." With him in the Aras the 'they' and 'we' are reversed. Martin McGuinness - and all that people percieve him to be; cowering in the old British Headquarters? I just can't see it 'being allowed' by those who have had more than enough to stomach! Let's hope for the best, anyway. Thanks for your response,JF.

Now, that is really good news ! Good Luck Martin !!

Towngate, One step at a time. I met Martin and Gerry Adams ath the Galway Bay Hotel in '02 at a fundraiser. They were way safe. They had about 4 big guys with them with long coats on... I think he'd be good as President. I wish I could vote for him.

What a wonderful choice.Finally a real son of Ireland being put forward.A man of honor who has passed all of the tests.Win or loose,this is a huge step in the right direction for Ireland.Eighter way they both win. Congratulations,brilliant decision.Best of luck.

You GO Martin now is the time i wish irish citizens living in the US and elsewhere could vote in the Irish Election i would cast an absentee ballott for Martin McGuiness Good Man that he is.

After visiting Belfast, for a period, I wouldn't let their rainwater run into the Republic - much less their (unique) Politicians.

Take it away Martin! Would love to see a Sinn Fein President of the People, and I always associate Sinn Fein with the ability to bring the Dark side out onto the table and to negotiate it- not hide it away...Well Done Sinn Fein!

This is getting heavy, now! If he claims he will repreent the whole of Ireland does he mean to allow Northern Ireland to vote in the election and by holding his position in the British Northern Ireland government at Stormont; as well as President of the Republic. If he thinks being President of the Republic makes him President of (Part of)the United Kingdom as well ~~~ he better think again! Irish political, historical and social waters are muddy enough without further confusion. Feelings run deep and long and memories only sharpen with time in Ireland. If Martin McGuinness sets foot inside the (former) British Vice-Regal Lodge as President, it could well be a step too far for some of the'old guard' ( from all quarters) and he will hear chilling echoes of Michael Collins' famous utterance: 'Today I have signed my death warrant'.