MARTIN McGuinness has led tributes on the death of Nelson Mandela,
The father of the democratic South African nation died earlier this evening, surrounded by close family and friends.
Mr McGuinness had met Mr Mandela on several occasions.
There were close links between republicans and the ANC during the conflicts in both countries.
The Derryman tweeted this picture of Mr Mandela tonight.
“So sad to hear our dear friend #NelsonMandela, freedom fighter, peace maker & reconciler has died.#Madiba,” said McGuinness on Twitter.
Donegal TD Padraig Mac Lochlainn said simply: “The great man has passed on. May his noble soul rest in peace.”
Republicans in Derry will hold a vigil at the Rossville H-Block memorial at 7pm on Friday in memory of Mandela.
Sinn Fein had once tried to give Mandela the Freedom of Derry; but the move was blocked by the SDLP.