Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said he was “reaching out the hand of friendship” to unionists when he met Queen Elizabeth last night.
Speaking after the meeting – which took place in Hillsborough Castle as was the third between the two – the senior Sinn Fein representative said he would he would continue to offer “positive political leadership” and reaffirmed his commitment to reconciliation between the people of Ireland and Britain.
Mr McGuinness said: “I am a proud Irish republican and as such I am committed to working towards reconciliation and promoting mutual respect and tolerance among all the people of this island.
“I met Queen Elizabeth in my role as Deputy First Minister, representing the entire community.
“Reconciliation requires bold gestures and this is the third time I have met with Queen Elizabeth as part of that continuing process.
“Tonight’s meeting with Queen Elizabeth was also about reaching out the hand of friendship to the unionist community.”
Mr McGuinness concluded: “Everyone needs to do more of this. There is an onus on all political leaders to take big steps to move the process of reconciliation forward.”
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