Republican News · Thursday 18 April 2002

McGuinness delighted with Drogheda welcome

Sinn Féin Education Minister Martin McGuinness paid a visit to Drogheda on Thursday last. He had earlier attended a meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council in Armagh, where it was announced that a new cross-border "centre of excellence" for children and young people with autism was to be jointly funded by Ireland's two Education Ministers in Middletown, Co Armagh.

Accompanied by Sinn Féin general election candidate, Louth County Councillor, Arthur Morgan, McGuinness met party members and supporters. He also met members of the public and business people when he went on a walkabout and was delighted with the warm welcome he received from the people of Drogheda.

Speaking afterwards, he said: "I am honoured to be here in Drogheda with Arthur Morgan, who I have known for many years now. Arthur played a role in the Good Friday Agreement negotiations and is committed to the Peace Process. I know that as a TD, Arthur will represent all the people of County Louth tirelessly, as he is doing at present as a member of Louth County Council."

Arthur Morgan spoke about the recent historic move by the IRA leadership to unilaterally place a second tranche of weapons beyond use as part of its ongoing commitment to the Peace Process. "The IRA are leading by example," he said. "This move was taken to stabilise the Peace Process and must only be commended."