Meaning: The quote you provided is attributed to Martin McGuinness, a prominent political figure in Northern Ireland. The quote encapsulates a pivotal moment in the peace process in Northern Ireland, particularly the role of Sinn Fein in seeking to establish peace and reconciliation in a deeply divided society.

During the late 20th century, Northern Ireland was engulfed in a protracted and violent conflict known as "The Troubles." The conflict primarily pitted unionists, who were predominantly Protestant and sought to maintain Northern Ireland's status as part of the United Kingdom, against nationalists, who were mainly Catholic and aspired for Northern Ireland to be reunited with the Republic of Ireland. The conflict resulted in widespread violence, loss of life, and deep-seated societal divisions.

In the midst of this tumultuous period, Sinn Fein, a political party with strong nationalist roots, played a significant role in advocating for the rights of the Catholic nationalist community and pursuing a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Martin McGuinness, a key figure within Sinn Fein, was deeply involved in the peace process and played a crucial role in the negotiations that led to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

The quote you provided sheds light on Sinn Fein's approach to fostering peace and reconciliation. McGuinness mentions "that ongoing process," which likely refers to the broader peace-building efforts that were underway at the time. This alludes to the sustained engagement and commitment by Sinn Fein and other stakeholders to address the root causes of the conflict and work towards a sustainable peace.

Furthermore, McGuinness highlights Sinn Fein's decision to establish a peace commission, indicating a proactive step taken by the party to facilitate dialogue and engagement with various segments of society. The commission's mandate to "travel around the country to receive submissions from the general public, also our opponents" underscores Sinn Fein's willingness to engage with diverse perspectives, including those held by individuals and groups who may have been opposed to their political objectives.

This approach is significant as it reflects a commitment to inclusivity and the recognition that lasting peace requires the participation and input of all sections of society, regardless of political allegiances or historical grievances. By actively seeking submissions from both the general public and their opponents, Sinn Fein demonstrated a willingness to listen to differing viewpoints and engage in a process of dialogue and understanding.

The decision to establish a peace commission also signals a recognition of the need for structured mechanisms to channel the aspirations, concerns, and grievances of the wider community. By creating a platform for the public to voice their perspectives, Sinn Fein sought to ensure that the peace process was informed by the lived experiences and aspirations of ordinary citizens, thereby grounding the negotiations in the realities of people's lives.

Overall, the quote encapsulates a pivotal moment in Sinn Fein's engagement with the peace process in Northern Ireland. It reflects a proactive and inclusive approach to peace-building, characterized by a willingness to listen to diverse perspectives and engage with the broader public. McGuinness's emphasis on the ongoing nature of the peace process underscores the enduring commitment required to address deep-seated divisions and work towards a future defined by peace, reconciliation, and shared prosperity.

In conclusion, the quote by Martin McGuinness provides valuable insight into Sinn Fein's approach to peace-building and reconciliation during a crucial period in Northern Ireland's history. It serves as a reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of the peace process, as well as the importance of inclusive and participatory approaches to addressing conflict and building a more harmonious society.