Questions about his IRA past bemuse McGuinness

MARTIN MCGUINNESS said it is “bemusing” that he is constantly asked about his IRA past in the Republic since starting his presidential campaign.

He said that while he “could count on one hand” the number of people in the North who had asked him when he left the IRA, he is repeatedly asked about it in the Republic. Mr McGuinness was speaking as the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, said all candidates should be upfront and honest with the electorate.

Mr McGuinness came under fresh attack from a Northern executive colleague, Arlene Foster, who challenged him to reveal what she claims he knew about the Enniskillen bombing. She said there had been speculation for decades that the Derry IRA was involved in the 1987 bombing which killed 11 people.

Earlier, Mr McGuinness told RTÉ radio that the relationship he had developed with the DUP’s Ian Paisley and Peter Robinson had “shocked the world”.

Questioned over his knowledge of several atrocities during the Troubles, he said there was huge excitement in the North at his standing in the election, where many felt part of it and regretted not having a vote.

“What I do find bemusing is when I come to Dublin you will find a number of people who themselves don’t understand there is an art to peacemaking and that they too need to have a role in that instead of taking up confrontational positions.”

Mr McGuinness’s remarks on Prime Time on Wednesday that he was “ashamed” about republican involvement in the Enniskillen attack, sparked demands from Ms Foster that he help the PSNI’s Historical Enquiries Team with their investigation of the massacre.

Sinn Féin said her remarks were “hypocritical” given she had served with Mr McGuinness for the last five years and “never once broached the subject with him.”