Martin McGuinness: mourners gather in Sinn Fein stonghold of West Belfast for candlelit vigil

Former IRA commander, who renounced violence and became one of the leading figures in the Northern Irish peace process, died in the early hours of Tuesday morning

Mourners in Republican West Belfast have gathered for a candle lit vigil in memory of Martin McGuinness.

At least a thousand people gathered in the Andersonstown area of the city to pay tribute to the politician, bringing West Belfast to a standstill as mourners overflowed into nearby streets and parks.

The former IRA commander, who renounced violence and became one of the leading figures in the Northern Irish peace process, died in the early hours of Tuesday morning aged 66. The Sinn Fein politician had been suffering from a genetic condition for several months and had resigned from front line politics in January after appearing to be increasingly frail.

West Belfast has long been known as the most Republican part of the city and is a stronghold of support for Sinn Fein.

The vigil's location perhaps embodies the journey Northern Ireland has undergone through the peace process. The site was once where security forces spent much of the Troubles stationed as they sought intelligence on local Republicans.

Since peace came to Northern Ireland, the barracks has been demolished and now stands as a grassy park for local children to play, a fitting venue which in many ways mirrors the transition from conflict to peace.

As mourners gathered in swathes, the park soon over flowed and spilt out into nearby roads, blocking off this corner of the city to traffic while the vigil was underway.

A woman touches the coffin of Martin McGuinness as it is carried through the streets of Derry, Northern Ireland (Reuters)

The park was ablaze with both the lit candles of some mourners, while the bright mobile phone screens of younger crowd members added to the glow.

A local Sinn Fein organiser addressed the crowd, celebrating Mr McGuinness' legacy as a Republican icon. She said: "Martin was a dear friend and a dear comrade to the Republican struggle, but also to the community right across Belfast and across Ireland. His loss will be especially felt in the Republican family."

During the vigil another Sinn Fein activist lead the crowd in singing a number of Irish Rebel songs including a rendition of 'The Bold Fenian Men' in the Irish language, as well as 'I wish I was in Derry' in tribute to Mr McGuinness' home city.

A local priest also led mourners in a decade of the rosary, in both the Irish and English languages.

Mr McGuinness was a controversial figure throughout his life. He has openly admitted to joining the terrorist group the IRA, while he was living in Derry during the conflict.

He has since renounced violence and has been praised for entering power-sharing as part of the peace process in Northern Ireland.

Critics argued he should not have been allowed to hold the position of Deputy First Minister due to his connection with the terror group.

The surviving families of IRA atrocities have also accused him of not doing enough to reveal the truth about past attacks to assist police enquiries and help families achieve closure.

During his political career at Stormont he became known for forming a close friendship with Loyalist politician and Democratic Unionist Party leader Ian Paisley, a former sworn enemy.

The unlikely friendship earned the pair the local moniker of 'the Chuckle brothers'. Mr Paisley died in 2014.

Mr McGuinness' funeral will be held in Derry city on Thursday afternoon.