Arlene Foster calls on Michelle O'Neill to apologise over funeral scenes

By Q Radio News

Stormont's First Minister has called on the Deputy First Minister to apologise over an IRA veteran's funeral that saw hundreds of people line the streets.

Arlene Foster's comments come as Michelle O'Neill faces calls to resign after she and party colleagues attended Bobby Storey's funeral in west Belfast on Tuesday.

Mrs Foster said the scenes at the funeral and apparent lack of social distancing had "undermined the credibility" of Stormont's Covid-19 guidance.

The DUP leader said it sent out a message of "do as I say and not as I do".

"She needs to apologise and recognise the wrong that has been done and she absolutely needs to make amends for what happened yesterday and take steps to try and build up that credibility again," said Mrs Foster.

"It is really regretful that we are talking about this today.

"Many people have had to go to through mourning and grief during this time and haven't had the comfort of people coming to their homes, they haven't had the comfort of a full service, yesterday they asked 'well why was that the case?'."

It comes as the funeral came under fire, with Health Minister Robin Swann saying it was a clear breach of Stormont restrictions which limit public gatherings to 30 people.

In a statement to the Irish News, Ms O'Neill insisted that the funeral "was all done in accordance with the guidelines."

In particular, she said the social distancing inside St Agnes' Church was "exemplary" in regards to social distancing and hygiene measures.

She also added only three people were present in each pew.

"Regrettably a considerable number of family members were unable to take part in the cortege as a result of the current restrictions, like many other families who have been unable to properly grieve or mourn the loss of a loved one in a traditional way as a result of the Covid crisis.

Photo posted on Lucan Sinn Fein Facebook page of Michelle O'Neill posing for a selfie with two attendees at Bobby Storey's funeral.

"These restrictions have been very difficult for families who have lost a loved one and particularly those who lost a loved one during the period when society was in lockdown."

Gregory Campbell, a DUP MP was one of the many politicians who came out in condemnation against the apparent lack of social distancing at the funeral.

Secretary of State Brandon Lewis also questioned the attendance of Ms O'Neill and other Sinn Fein executive ministers.

Mr Lewis said he understood that some people were "frustrated and angry" at what happened.

"I was a bit surprised... when you are saying to people you've got to follow those guidelines," he said.

"People have given so many sacrifices over the last couple of months, particularly in Northern Ireland where we have seen people really strongly following the guidelines, we've seen lower levels of things because people are following those guidelines so well.

"I am surprised we would have someone from the executive of any description being in a position where it would be perceived to be that they are not doing that."

Her old BBC Radio Ulster: "I can understand people's frustrations. It's not something I would have done."

Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister insisted Ms O'Neill's position was no longer tenable, while DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley raised a point of order in the Assembly questioning whether she had broken the members' code of conduct.

As I have said too many times to count, I recognise that funerals are a sensitive issue. People want to pay respects to their loved ones and support the family in their grief.

But COVID-19 does not recognise any of that. Gathering in crowds for any reason is dangerous. 1/2

— Naomi Long MLA (@naomi_long) June 30, 2020

Following the funeral, Robin Swann said that Mr Swann said the Police Service of Northern Ireland was investigating the episode.

Speaking about the funeral, PSNI Superintendent Melanie Jones said: "We were made aware of the plans for today's funeral and have engaged with the celebrant and service organisers to highlight both the public health advice and risks around Covid-19, and the requirement for those attending to adhere to social distancing.

"We had assurances that those attending would observe the health guidelines and that marshals would be in place to encourage those lining the cortege route to observe social distancing.

"We will now review footage gathered during the funeral and will consider any suspected breaches of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) Regulations NI 2020."

The Diocese of Down and Connor said its churches had been advised on June 4 that numbers attending funeral masses should be restricted to ten mourners.

The diocese said it received update guidance from the Executive Office on Tuesday evening - after the funeral had taken place.

"The Diocese of Down and Connor can confirm that in full compliance with legislation and public health advice guidance was issued by the diocese on 4th June 2020 to parishes that attendance at funeral Masses inside churches was restricted to ten mourners," it said in a statement.

"This guidance was communicated to priests, funeral directors and all involved in the organisation of funerals.

"The Diocese received notification of changes to the guidance concerning numbers attending funerals from the NI Executive Office yesterday evening, 30th June. This morning the diocese notified parishes of this updated guidance.

"The Diocese continues to encourage and to call strongly upon all individuals to exercise personal and collective responsibility to ensure the health and safety of all.

"It is for the statutory authorities to investigate suspected breaches of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) Regulation NI 2020. Since a PSNI inquiry is under way, it would be inappropriate for the diocese to make any further comment."