"There was a military mindset at work," McGuinness said. "[They thought that] the way to defeat resistance in Ireland was with force...that they tried to do and in that they failed."

McGuinness said he believes that discussion and compromise will produce peace in Northern Ireland.

McGuinness denied current affiliation with any group that endorses violence as a means to achieve peace.

"There isn't an organization called Sinn Fein/IRA. I am not a spokesperson for the IRA," he said. "I suppose eventually history will be told and told very honestly about all of us. I am [a member of the Westminster parliament] for Sinn Fein.

But, McGuinness told The Crimson, "I have never denied that I have been involved in resistance and struggle against the British government."

McGuinness emphasized that each group or government participating in the peace negotiations will have to take a flexible position in the discussions. He said his role is to facilitate compromise between the parties.

"Not all of the parties are going to get everything they are looking for," he said.

McGuinness said Sinn Fein demands the release of prisoners, the demilitarization of Northern Ireland and the removal of the "paraphernalia" of war from the region. He said Sinn Fein will not compromise on these issues.

"We cannot concede to change that requires British rule," he said.

In addition to finding fault with the British government, McGuinness blamed the Unionists for styming the talks. He said they refuse to listen to Sinn Fein's arguments or to compromise on any issues.

"The Unionists have confronted Sinn Fein with a wall of silence," McGuinness said. "It's a flawed negotiating program."

McGuinness attributed those flaws to the Unionists.

"Unionism is frightened. They are very afraid of change," McGuinness said. "They are more suspicious of their government than they are of Ireland's government or of ourselves."

McGuinness said he is optimistic about the future, refusing in questions from the audience to think too far beyond the settlement of the current conflict to the creation of a unified country.

"We intend to keep our nerve... we have a responsibility to try to plot a course away from conflict, away from inequality, away from injustice," he said. "This can only be solved at the negotiating table. Why should people lose their lives?"