Latest large republican funeral procession ‘an insult’ to law-abiding public who have also lost loved ones

A large gathering of mourners ahead of what is reported to have been a republican funeral is an “insult” to the broad mass of the public who are striving to obey coronavirus advice.
By Adam Kula
Published 16th Apr 2020, 17:03 BST
Updated 16th Apr 2020, 19:49 BST
A still from the scene of the Francis McNally burial procession in east Tyrone/Londonderry last week. No pictures directly showing the new parade in west Belfast have emerged publicly yet. If you are aware of any, please email newsdesk@newsletter.co.ukA still from the scene of the Francis McNally burial procession in east Tyrone/Londonderry last week. No pictures directly showing the new parade in west Belfast have emerged publicly yet. If you are aware of any, please email newsdesk@newsletter.co.uk
A still from the scene of the Francis McNally burial procession in east Tyrone/Londonderry last week. No pictures directly showing the new parade in west Belfast have emerged publicly yet. If you are aware of any, please email [email protected]

That is the view of TUV leader Jim Allister, who spoke out today as a report circulated of a crowd attending a house in the Lenadoon district of west Belfast.

Police have confirmed that there was “a large funeral procession” in the area, and said those involved had put their own community at heightened risk.

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It comes a week after widespread public revulsion over a burial procession for a former Sinn Fein councillor in Ballinderry, which the police said they were looking in to.

It also comes amid police reports that people taking part in watersports or visiting beauty spots have been confronted by officers, who have in some cases fined them.

Mr Allister, MLA for North Antrim said: “Once again there are reports of a large republican funeral – this time in Lenadoon Avenue – flouting the laws which have been brought in to combat the spread of the virus.

“This is grossly offensive and insulting to the many law-abiding people who have made the huge sacrifice of foregoing a normal funeral as they said farewell to family member who died recently.”

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He also accused police of not acting swiftly enough in prosecuting people over the Ballinderry procession, adding that in this latest case there is also an allegation that police merely “sat in their vehicle while 400 to 500 Republicans ignored social distancing guidance”.

He added:“I am calling on the PSNI to immediately clarify what happened yesterday and, if media reports are accurate, what they have done and intend to do to enforce the law. is... When I voted for the regulations to be bought in I did so in the belief that they applied to everyone. It is about time the PSNI took the same view.”

PSNI Chief Inspector Gary Reid said: “Police officers responded to reports of a large funeral procession in west Belfast on the afternoon of Wednesday.

“Those people who attended have put themselves, the local community and our NHS colleagues at more risk due to the potential spread of coronavirus.

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“An investigation is now underway and any evidence of breaches of Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) Regulations NI 2020 will be gathered for consideration of submission to the PPS.

“I would also appeal to anyone who has any imagery or footage, or are aware of those who contravened the regulations and put other lives at risk to call us on 101.

“Once again, I would remind everyone that it is essential that we all respect the current health and current legislation. I urge all people to play their part to keep people safe during this global health emergency crisis.”

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