Trimble wrote to Martin McGuinness last week to say he was indispensable to peace process

By The Newsroom
Published 21st Mar 2017, 12:26 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 10:45 BST
File photo dated 31/08/95 of Martin McGuinness, leading Sinn Fein negotiator in the peace process, attending a news conference in the House of Commons. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 19, 2017. Mr McGuinness has announced that he is stepping down from elected politics, citing ill health. See PA story ULSTER McGuinness. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA WireFile photo dated 31/08/95 of Martin McGuinness, leading Sinn Fein negotiator in the peace process, attending a news conference in the House of Commons. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 19, 2017. Mr McGuinness has announced that he is stepping down from elected politics, citing ill health. See PA story ULSTER McGuinness. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA Wire
File photo dated 31/08/95 of Martin McGuinness, leading Sinn Fein negotiator in the peace process, attending a news conference in the House of Commons. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Thursday January 19, 2017. Mr McGuinness has announced that he is stepping down from elected politics, citing ill health. See PA story ULSTER McGuinness. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA Wire
Ex-UUP leader David Trimble wrote to former political foe Martin McGuinness just last week to say he believed he had been indispensable to securing the republican movement's support for the Good Friday Agreement and devolution.

In a letter, dated March 12, which was released by the Nobel Peace prize-winner following Mr. McGuinness’ death this morning, he also said the Sinn Féin leader had been foremost in reaching out to unionists.

“Like many I was surprised to learn of your illness and of its seriousness,” he wrote.

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