Alliance MLA: Michelle O’Neill needs to explain her actions in seeming to make a mockery of lockdown advice

My sympathies go to the loved ones of Bobby Storey, same as they go to the loved ones of anyone who has passed away.
By John Blair
Published 30th Jun 2020, 23:15 BST
Updated 1st Jul 2020, 00:25 BST
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (left) and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill during the funeral of senior Irish Republican and former leading IRA figure Bobby Storey at the Republican plot at Milltown Cemetery in west Belfast. PA Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 30, 2020. See PA story FUNERAL Storey. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA WireSinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (left) and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill during the funeral of senior Irish Republican and former leading IRA figure Bobby Storey at the Republican plot at Milltown Cemetery in west Belfast. PA Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 30, 2020. See PA story FUNERAL Storey. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (left) and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill during the funeral of senior Irish Republican and former leading IRA figure Bobby Storey at the Republican plot at Milltown Cemetery in west Belfast. PA Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 30, 2020. See PA story FUNERAL Storey. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

But while hundreds of families have gone through this crisis and suffered the loss of their loved ones, they have been unable to pay their last respects to those who have died.

That has been an extremely difficult time for everyone affected and an extra layer to the tragedy of this pandemic.

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Therefore it appears to make a mockery of the executive’s current guidance of only 10 people being allowed to attend funerals and only 30 people being allowed to gather in groups outside.

The funeral procession of the IRA leader Bobby Storey after the funeral at St Agnes' Church in west Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA WireThe funeral procession of the IRA leader Bobby Storey after the funeral at St Agnes' Church in west Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
The funeral procession of the IRA leader Bobby Storey after the funeral at St Agnes' Church in west Belfast. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

The deputy first minister stated this week no-one is exempt from the guidance.

Now she must explain how today’s events fit in with that viewpoint or else it is selfish and poor leadership from Michelle O’Neill, showing little empathy for those who have made huge sacrifices in this difficult situation.

John Blair MLA, Alliance Policing Board member

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Related topics:Michelle O'NeillNorthern Ireland