Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Jeff Spicer/PA
private matter

Martin McGuinness criticises the Irish Times, saying he wants his privacy respected during illness

McGuinness was strongly critical of The Irish Times for running an article on his health today.

MARTIN MCGUINNESS HAS said the Irish Times is not respecting his privacy in relation to his health after the newspaper ran an article detailing his illness.

In a statement today, the Sinn Féin politician said he was “very disappointed” that the article was published, saying he believes it will distress his family.

McGuinness resigned from his position as Deputy First Minister for Northern Ireland on Monday over the DUP’s response to the ‘cash for ash’ scandal. Questions were raised about his health when he made a televised address to confirm his departure from the role, which is likely to trigger an election in Northern Ireland.

In the broadcast, McGuinness appeared to have lost weight and his voice was markedly lower than usual.

McGuinness told reporters his health had not influenced his decision to resign and said he had been deeply involved in his party’s response to the cash-for-ash affair.

euronews (in English) / YouTube

“My health is absolutely nothing to do with this whatsoever,” he said.

However, The Irish Times published an article today outlining the details of the illness which the newspaper said he is suffering from.

In a statement, McGuinness said:

I have always considered my health a private matter. The media in the main, has respected my privacy. I am thankful to them for that.  I am very disappointed that the Irish Times are not respecting that privacy and believe that this will cause my family distress.

Earlier in the week, Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty said Martin McGuinness is getting the best of care and is expected to make a full recovery.

“He’s had health problems, he’s going through treatment. He’s getting the best of care and I expect him to make a full recovery,” Doherty, the party’s finance spokesman in the Dáil, told Claire Byrne Live on RTE One.

“He’s been involved with our negotiation teams right over the Christmas period – when many people were off he was still working,” the TD said.

McGuinness had been engaged in the party’s discussions on what to do about the rumbling ‘cash for ash’ controversy throughout the period, Doherty said.

He’s still at it – up and running and doing what he’s always done, which is leading from the front.

 

image

Your Voice
Readers Comments
104
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.