They were the main instigators of the peace process that ended the 'troubles'. That is a massive achievement that saved countless lives and is not a joke. Even their bitterest political enemies - and many of the victims of IRA violence - give McGuinness and Adams (and the less well known leaders and associates of Sinn Fein) credit for that. Colin Parry's view of McGuinness over the last 3 decades is one I share.