News of McGuinness’ death has caused huge division this morning between those who will never forgive the man once hailed as “Britain’s number one terrorist” and others who accepted his enormous involvement in Northern Ireland’s peace process.
Piers Morgan, 51, and his co-host Susanna Reid, 46, spoke to Norman Tebbit, 85, whose wife was crippled by an attack lead by McGuinness, while he also explained that he’d lost five friends to the hands of the IRA.
“He was a coward, of course,” said Lord Tebbit. “The reason he became a man of peace was because he was desperate after he knew was going to be arrested and charged with a number of murders that he’s personally committed.”
“Do you not see a parallel between McGuinness and Nelson Mandela?” asked Morgan.
“There’s no parallel whatsoever,” Tebbit hit back. “Nelson Mandela was living in a country where there was no democracy and the majority of people could not vote.
“In Northern Ireland they couldn’t achieve their means through democracy, so used the bullet instead.”
Reid chipped in: “Is it possible for someone like Martin McGuinness to to leave his past behind him and move on to be part of such huge agreement?”
“It might be possible,” admitted Lord Tebbit. “But first thing to take the step to for forgiveness would be to confess for his sins.”
The discussion sparked a clear opposition of tributes among viewers with many commending Lord Tebbit for his “amazing response”.
“I agree with Lord Tebbit. He never apologised for his crimes. People died because of him,” wrote one audience member, which was followed by: “Just watching @GMB , and what an amazing response from Lord Tebbit, and this is what people seem to forget, the innocent people affected…”
A third shared: “Lord Tebbit’s comments just then on @GMB putting Piers Morgan to shame.”
Though many more condoned Morgan for making comparison between McGuinness and Mandela.
“How on earth can you mention Nelson Mandela in the same breath as Martin McGuinness! You’re taking the p**s Piers,” fumed one critic, as another agreed: “Unsure why @GMB is glorifying Martin McGuinnes and comparing him to Nelson Mandela? He was terrorist and a murderer, let’s never forget that.”
“Thank you @LordTebbit for telling @piersmorgan to stop comparing Martin McGuinness to Nelson Mandela. No comparison what so ever,” complained a third.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.
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