Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness has announced he will retire from frontline politics as he focuses on recovering from a "very serious medical condition".

Mr McGuinness resigned as Northern Ireland's deputy first minister just last week amid a political crisis over a botched renewable energy scheme.

At the time he said his health was not a factor - but his Sinn Fein colleague Gerry Adams admitted he was "not well".

Mr McGuinness said today in a statement that it had always been his intention to step down in May - but his health and the political crisis engulfing the country had brought events to a head.

He said: "My obvious health issues are being addressed by a superb team of national health service doctors and nurses.


"But I want to be open and honest with my friends and colleagues in Sinn Fein, with the electorate of Foyle and with the wider community beyond my own constituency.

Image: Mr McGuinness pictured earlier this week

"I also want to be fair to my family and to the teams of carers who are doing their best to provide me with the treatment I now require to deal with this very serious medical condition which I am very determined to overcome.

"Unfortunately, I am not physically able to continue in my current role and have therefore decided to make way for a new leader.

"This election is the right time for me to move aside so I will not seek re-election to the Assembly."

:: Martin McGuinness: A journey from guns to government

He later clarified that he was not leaving politics altogether and will remain a member of the national leadership of Sinn Fein.

In his statement, Mr McGuinness said he was proud of those that had kept the Republican "struggle" alive over the generations, reaffirmed his ambition for a united Ireland and said he was optimistic about the future.

"We must continue to move forward. Dialogue is the only option," he added.

9 Jan: McGuinness - DUP is in 'fool's paradise'

When he resigned as deputy first minister on 9 January, Mr McGuinness called on then DUP first minister Arlene Foster to resign over her handling of the botched scheme that could have cost the taxpayer £400m.

She refused, calling Mr McGuinness' actions "not principled" and "purely political".

Earlier this week, their power-sharing government collapsed and a snap election was called.

Following Mr McGuinness' retirement today, Ms Foster said: "Despite all that has happened, I wish Martin McGuinness a speedy recovery and that he and his wife are able to enjoy time with their family away from the relentless focus of public life."

Image: Ms Foster wished her former power-sharing colleague a speedy recovery

Taoiseach Enda Kenny also paid tribute to Mr McGuinness and "readily acknowledged [his] remarkable political

journey".

"He was one of the key architects of the Good Friday Agreement, and a tireless and committed champion of the peace process," he said.

Former first minister Peter Robinson said he was praying for Mr McGuinness to overcome his illness.

He said: "I pray that he overcomes his health challenges and has the time to do the simple things I know he loves - spending time with his grandchildren, fishing and watching football."

Prime Minister Theresa May said: "We recognise his work over many years securing a number of significant political agreements. He played a key role in moving the Republican movement towards a position of using peaceful and democratic means.

"I want to send him best wishes for his retirement."