A candlelight vigil is to be held in Derry tonight in tribute to Nelson Mandela who died last night.
Martin McGuinness and his wife Bernie with Nelson Mandela when they attended the inauguration of South African President Thabo Mbeki in 2004.
Organised by Sinn Fein, the event will take place at the H Block monument in Rossville Street at 7.00pm.
Cllr Paul Fleming, Sinn Fein group leader on Derry City Council, has called for a book of condolences to be opened for the former South African President.
Cllr Fleming said: “On behalf of Derry Sinn Féin I would like to offer our sincere condolences on hearing the sad news of the passing of Nelson Mandela, the greatest political leader of our age.
“His release from jail in 1990 marked the beginning of the end of the apartheid system in South Africa.
“Before his arrest, during his many years in prison and from his release, Nelson Mandela displayed huge courage, an unwavering commitment to freedom, equality and democracy and a determination to advance a vision for South Africa based on fairness and tolerance.
“Mandela and his comrades in the ANC also encouraged and assisted the search for peace in Ireland. We all are grateful for that.”
Cllr Fleming said he would be making contact with Derry Mayor Martin Reilly to request a book of condolence be opened in the city.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, who met Mr Mandela on several occasions, said the former South African President was “one of the greatest leaders of our lifetime.”
Mr McGuinness said: “I offer my heartfelt sympathies to his family at this difficult time. I was honoured to meet Nelson Mandela the last time he was in Dublin and there is no doubt he was truly one of the greatest leaders of our lifetime.
“Through his humility, strong negotiation skills and desire for justice he earned respect as an ambassador for peace, human rights and democracy across the globe.
“He will be remembered for demonstrating what is possible when people are committed to peace and reconciliation in areas of conflict.
“Nelson Mandela has left an indelible mark not only in South Africa but across the world.
“In 1997, at a critical stage of our peace process, I was honoured to lead, at the invitation of President Mandela, a delegation to South Africa for significant discussion with South African peace negotiators, which also included all parties from the North.
“President Mandela’s interest in the success of the peace process was epitomised by the valuable contributions made by amongst others Cyril Ramaphosa, his chief negotiator and the now deputy president of African National Congress, who was a constant source of support to us throughout.”
Mr McGuinness concluded: “Nelson Mandela was a true friend to Ireland.”
Foyle SDLP MP Mark Durkan also paid tribute to the late South African leader, describing him as not just a friend to Northern Ireland, but a friend to the world.
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