The damaged entrance to the Everglades Hotel following Friday’s firebomb attack.
The people of Derry will not be held back by those living in the past, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has said.
Mr McGuinness was speaking after visiting the Everglades Hotel in Derry, the lobby of which was extensively damaged in a firebomb attack in the early hours of Frdaiy morning last.
Staff and contractors worked round-the-clock and the hotel, the starting point for today’s Walled City Marathon – opened for business again yesterday afternoon.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
Speaking after visiting the hotel, Mr McGuinness praised the actions of staff who led over 50 guests to safety after a masked man placed the device on the hotel reception desk, stating he was from the IRA and telling staff they had 40 minutes to get out.
Mr McGuinness said: “I’m relieved that no one was killed or injured in this attack and I extend my thanks to everyone who helped to safely evacuate people from the hotel.
“I condemn unreservedly this fire bomb attack on the Everglades.
“Derry is a place looking to the future and those promoting and building the changing city will not be held back by those living in the past.”
Mr McGuinness concluded: “Those behind this attack have nothing to offer and should end their futile actions now.”
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