Martin McGuinness

Full Name: James Martin Pacelli McGuinness (Séamus Máirtín Pacelli Mag Aonghusa)
Profession: Sinn Féin Leader

Biography: McGuinness is known as an Irish politician, but also for his involvement in the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA).

He joined the IRA in 1969, and in 1972 was second-in-command for Derry. He was convicted in 1973 after being arrested near a car containing explosive and nearly 5,000 rounds of ammunition.

A short while later, McGuinness became prominent in Sinn Féin, the political wing of the movement. This led to him being elected in 1982 as representative for Londonderry in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

When he was later accused of involvement in IRA violence, McGuinness rejected this and stated: "I have never been in the IRA. I don't have any sway over the IRA."

McGuinness was notably involved in the Northern Ireland peace process, ultimately resulting in the Good Friday Agreement. He was lauded for his involvement in negotiations, and in ensuring the agreement was enforced, by both Bill Clinton and Tony Blair.

Since then McGuinness continued to play an active role in Irish politics, including as Minister of Education, until his death in 2017.

Born: May 23, 1950
Birthplace: Derry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Tiger
Star Sign: Gemini

Died: March 21, 2017 (aged 66)
Cause of Death: Amyloidosis