Irish Republican News · December 15, 2004

Let’s talk about sin - McGuinness

Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness has offered to meet DUP leader Ian Paisley on the issue of ‘sin’ if it helped move the peace process forward.

The Mid Ulster MP was responding to comments from Mr Paisley that he would talk to Gerry Adams if it was to visit his Belfast church and discuss “repentance and sin”.

“The doors of Martyrs’ Memorial Church are open to him. He can hear me preach at any time,” Mr Paisley said in a radio interview.

“But that is not political. Negotiations on the future government of the country is entirely different. Mr Paisley and his party have always refused to hold direct talks with Sinn Féin.

Sinn Féin chief negotiator Mr McGuinness claimed the comments were encouraging.

“I am prepared - and I know Gerry would be willing - to meet Ian on the issue of sin if it helped to break the ice,” the former Stormont education minister said.

“We would be willing to meet him on the basis that we are all sinners, including Ian, and I think it would be interesting.”

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