Michelle O’Neill criticised as hundreds gather for funeral of republican Bobby Storey

A large crowd of mourners has gathered in west Belfast for the funeral service for veteran republican Bobby Storey.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Jun 2020, 13:54 BST
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill attending the funeral of senior Irish Republican and former leading IRA figure Bobby Storey in west Belfast. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA WireSinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill attending the funeral of senior Irish Republican and former leading IRA figure Bobby Storey in west Belfast. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill attending the funeral of senior Irish Republican and former leading IRA figure Bobby Storey in west Belfast. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

The former leading IRA member died earlier this month at the age of 64 following an unsuccessful lung transplant.

Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald, vice president Michelle O’Neill and former president Gerry Adams were among hundreds in the Andersonstown Road area on Tuesday morning as the cortege left Mr Storey’s home and travelled to St Agnes’ church.

The coffin was draped in an Irish tricolour.

Members of the Storey family carry the coffin of senior Irish republican and former leading IRA figure Bobby Storey ahead of his funeral at St Agnes' Church in west Belfast.Members of the Storey family carry the coffin of senior Irish republican and former leading IRA figure Bobby Storey ahead of his funeral at St Agnes' Church in west Belfast.
Members of the Storey family carry the coffin of senior Irish republican and former leading IRA figure Bobby Storey ahead of his funeral at St Agnes' Church in west Belfast.
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The size of the crowd drew immediate criticism from Sinn Fein’s political rivals amid claims of multiple breaches of coronavirus regulations limiting the size of public gatherings in Northern Ireland.

Following funeral Mass, the cortege proceeded to the republican plot at Milltown cemetery where Mr Adams was scheduled to deliver an oration.

Crowds assembled by the roadside applauded as the coffin passed by.

Mr Storey was a highly influential presence within his community throughout the Troubles and subsequent peace process.

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Stormont finance minister Conor Murphy, North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly and Donegal TD Pearse Doherty were among other high-profile Sinn Fein figures who attended.

Former Sinn Fein MEP and current Foyle MLA Martina Anderson was part of a guard of honour formed for Mr Storey outside the church.

Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie contrasted Deputy First Minister Ms O’Neill’s public utterances on limiting numbers at funerals to her attendance at Tuesday’s event.

“Having watched families unable to attend funerals or be with their loved one as they passed away I think this undermines the credibility of our Executive Office,” he tweeted.

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Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister said Ms O’Neill’s position was no longer tenable.

“In light of the fact that Ms O’Neill is today present with many hundreds of others at the funeral of Bobby Storey her position is untenable,” he said.

“Her conduct 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 members who died recently.”