Summary

  • MLAs gather for special assembly meeting to mark death of Martin McGuinness

  • Former IRA commander and deputy first minister died on Tuesday, aged 66

  • Assembly speaker invites MLAs to speak about former Sinn Féin figurehead

  • Members sign book of condolence in Great Hall at Parliament Buildings

  • Vigils held across Ireland ahead of funeral in Londonderry on Thursday

Live Reporting

Robin Sheeran and Iain McDowell

  1. An enlightening walk with McGuinness

    Mark Devenport
    BBC News NI Political Editor

    Buffeted by a freezing wind on a chilly afternoon last April, I accompanied Martin McGuinness and his dog for a stroll around an ancient Irish hill fort just across the border on the Inishowen peninsula in Donegal.

    Grianan of Aileach

    Grianan of Aileach was a special place for the deputy first minister, perhaps because it reminded him of Ireland's ancient history, but also because it afforded panoramic views across the counties of Donegal, Derry and Tyrone.  

    Read more: An enlightening walk

  2. MLAs to mark McGuinness death

    Speaker Robin Newton has recalled the Assembly, and MLAs will gather in the chamber at midday, when he will lead "an opportunity for members to pay their tributes and condolences" to Martin McGuinness.

    Inside the Great Hall

    Now reduced in number from 108 to 90 after this month's election, members should all have a chance to have their say - party leaders will have five minutes, all other MLAs will have three.

    After that, Mr Newton will lead MLAs into the Great Hall in Parliament Buildings (above) to open and sign a book of condolence.

  3. Reflecting on McGuinness's IRA past

    Vincent Kearney
    BBC News NI Home Affairs Correspondent

    No-one knows how many people Martin McGuinness killed, directly or indirectly.

    Martin McGuinness at an IRA funeralPacemaker

    As a senior commander within the Provisional IRA for many years, there is no doubt there was blood on his hands.

    Read more: Martin McGuinness' IRA past in Derry

  4. Obituary: IRA commander turned peacemaker

    BBC News Northern Ireland

    Martin McGuinness was the IRA leader who became a peace negotiator - an Irish republican who ended up shaking hands with the Queen.

    Martin McGuinness's evolving language

    He was hated and feared as a senior paramilitary figure and his death, as his life, has divided opinion.

    Read more: Martin McGuinness obituary

  5. Good morning

    For the first time since the formation of this Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998, Stormont will be without one of its most recognisable and integral figures today.

    Martin McGuinnessPacemaker

    After his death yesterday at the age of 66 , MLAs have been making their way back up the hill to Parliament Buildings to mark the death of former deputy first minister Martin McGuinness .

    The ex-IRA leader and Sinn Féin figurehead died in hospital on Tuesday.