We don't believe that winning elections and winning any amount of votes will win freedom in Ireland. At the end of the day, it will be the cutting edge of the IRA which will bring freedom.

In this quote, Martin McGuinness expresses the belief that achieving freedom in Ireland will not come from traditional political methods such as winning elections or garnering votes. Instead, McGuinness asserts that it will be the militant actions of the IRA (Irish Republican Army) that will ultimately secure freedom for Ireland. This statement reflects the ideology of those who viewed armed resistance as a necessary means to challenge British rule in Ireland, particularly during the Troubles, a period of conflict in Northern Ireland.

McGuinness's emphasis on the "cutting edge of the IRA" suggests that he believes violence and military action are essential tools in the struggle for Irish independence. For him and others in the Republican movement, traditional democratic means were seen as ineffective in the face of what they considered to be an oppressive British occupation. This view highlights the division between political and militant factions within Irish nationalist movements, particularly during the late 20th century.

The quote also underscores McGuinness’s militant stance during his involvement with the IRA. While later in life, McGuinness transitioned into a political role, advocating for peace through dialogue and negotiation, his earlier statements reflect his deep belief in the role of armed struggle. His view on the IRA as the "cutting edge" shows a commitment to using force to challenge what he perceived as an unjust system, which he believed would not be overturned by peaceful means alone.

The origin of this quote stems from McGuinness's role as a key figure in the Irish Republican movement. As a leader of the IRA during the Troubles, McGuinness was a central figure in the conflict, advocating for the use of violence in pursuit of Irish freedom. His views evolved over time, and he later played a crucial part in the peace process that led to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, marking a shift toward a more political approach to resolving the conflict.