In later years he was deputy first minister in Northern Ireland working with Ian Paisley and was one of the "chuckle brothers", showing that mutual respect between two very different people is possible.
I am sure to the end he was very much in favour of a united Ireland, but he came to realise votes not bullets would bring this about. He changed, as did Ian Paisley.
My hope and prayer is that those that follow will walk in the path of peace. Jaw, jaw is always better than war, war. This applies whatever your political beliefs.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-39185899 .