Family who lost mother to virus ‘dismayed’ at lockdown debate

A family who lost their mother to Covid over the weekend was “incredulous and dismayed” to see debate rage about lockdown as their loved one fought to stay alive, an MLA has said.
UUP MLA Robbie Butler (right). Photo: Declan Roughan/PressEyeUUP MLA Robbie Butler (right). Photo: Declan Roughan/PressEye
UUP MLA Robbie Butler (right). Photo: Declan Roughan/PressEye

The Lisburn grandmother was just 58 when she died in the early hours of Sunday morning – one of six deaths reported by the Department of Health the next day.

Lagan Valley MLA Robbie Butler, her long-time neighbour, said she left behind a partner, daughter and two grandkids.

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He said they were upset by a backlash against new coronavirus rules – which included protests and pushback from senior ministers – as they navigated the “unimaginable” saying farewell to a loved one in a pandemic.

Mr Butler added: “The prognosis was bad from the very moment she went into hospital.

“They were praying and wishing she would turn around and survive but they were never given much hope.

“They were incredulous and angry at some of the responses to the measures that had to be taken. The family would be fully behind measures.”

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Northern Ireland is a week into a four-week lockdown which has shut down pubs and hairdressers and “extended” half-term break.

Mr Butler has previously criticised those who stoked doubt about the deadliness of Covid, and said “mixed messaging” from some ministers and MLAs was “wearing thin”.

He added: “It’s going to require collective effort and realisation that Covid does – and is – killing people.”

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