When Sinn Féin announced yesterday that Michelle O’Neill would succeed the forced-to-retire Martin McGuinnes as their North of Ireland leader, it created an unprecedented situation on — the leaders of the two main parties in parliament are women in their 40s — at least until the elections to the Northern Assembly are completed.

Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness has been praised for his role in the peace process and for turning his hand from gun to government after announcing his resignation from politics.

Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness has reiterated that he believes reconciliation is the next vital stage of the peace process.