NI Assembly Election 2016: McGuinness says Sinn Fein has '˜led from the front' while in government

Speaking at his party’s Ard Fheis in Dublin at the weekend, the Derry republican said Sinn Fein ministers in the Stormont Executive had “led from the front” in terms of protecting frontline services and bringing equality to the heart of government.

Mr. McGuinness, who is standing in the Foyle constituency in next month’s Assembly elections, hailed his party’s record of delivery “right throughout the peace process, within the power-sharing institutions in the North, the All-Ireland Ministerial Council, the Dáil and councils the length and breadth of the island.”

He added: “We also recognise there is much more to do. There is no doubt we have faced many challenges in recent years, not least the relentless Tory onslaught on our public services and on those most in need.

“We have faced these challenges head on while others walked away and we delivered.”

The deputy First Minister insisted an agreed Ireland was achievable.

“The vision of 1916 is alive and well, as relevant and inspiring today as it was a century ago,” he said. “Together we can make it a reality.”