Michelle O’Neill to be interviewed by police over Bobby Storey funeral

Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill will be among a number of people interviewed by police over alleged breaches of coronavirus regulations at the funeral of a senior republican.
By Rebecca Black
Published 19th Sep 2020, 11:19 BST
Sinn Fein's president Mary Lou McDoanld and deputy first minister Michelle O'Neill at the funeral of senior Bobby Storey in west Belfast on Juney 30, in which thousands of people came on the streets when social distancing rules were still highly restrictive. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA WireSinn Fein's president Mary Lou McDoanld and deputy first minister Michelle O'Neill at the funeral of senior Bobby Storey in west Belfast on Juney 30, in which thousands of people came on the streets when social distancing rules were still highly restrictive. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
Sinn Fein's president Mary Lou McDoanld and deputy first minister Michelle O'Neill at the funeral of senior Bobby Storey in west Belfast on Juney 30, in which thousands of people came on the streets when social distancing rules were still highly restrictive. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Ms O’Neill and other senior Sinn Fein members were among crowds who attended the funeral of Bobby Storey in west Belfast in June despite restrictions on public gatherings.

The scenes at the height of the pandemic sparked outrage and calls for the Deputy First Minister to resign.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A row with the DUP over the matter prompted the suspension of joint briefings with Sinn Fein during the health emergency.

The funeral procession of IRA man Bobby Storey was watched by thousands in west BelfastThe funeral procession of IRA man Bobby Storey was watched by thousands in west Belfast
The funeral procession of IRA man Bobby Storey was watched by thousands in west Belfast

It emerged on Friday that 14 people have been sent letters asking them to attend voluntary interviews at a local PSNI station.

A Sinn Fein spokesman confirmed on Saturday: “Michelle O’Neill and a number of the party’s elected representatives received letters from the police yesterday asking them to present for voluntary interview.

“They will contact the police and co-operate with the investigation.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The police probe is being led by Cumbria Constabulary Deputy Chief Constable Mark Webster.

Earlier this month, Ms O’Neill acknowledged that Stormont’s public health messaging capacity had been undermined by the row over the funeral.

“It wasn’t my intention this would happen, but it did, I accept this and I regret this is the case,” she told RTE.

“I accept that we have not been able to deliver clear messaging in the format that was the practice before this controversy.”

Meanwhile a separate independent probe over access to the Roselawn Cemetery on the day of the funeral when eight other families were denied access due to pandemic measures is ongoing.

Related topics:Michelle O'NeillNorthern IrelandSinn FeinBelfastPSNI