Jim Allister: Michelle O’Neill has no credibility when it comes to public health advice and never will have

As we prepare to enter another lockdown period it is nothing short of a kick in the teeth of the public to hear deputy First Minister O’Neill claim, “I have never deviated from the public health advice”.
Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald, former president Gerry Adams and the party's Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill at the funeral of the IRA man Bobby Storey on June 30. Photo Pacemaker PressSinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald, former president Gerry Adams and the party's Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill at the funeral of the IRA man Bobby Storey on June 30. Photo Pacemaker Press
Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald, former president Gerry Adams and the party's Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill at the funeral of the IRA man Bobby Storey on June 30. Photo Pacemaker Press

We all know she blatantly did.

We know that some Sinn Fein ministers travelled to what amounted to a Provo show of strength in ministerial cars. Did she? Five months after the Executive Office was asked that question they still haven’t answered.

The law at the time of the Storey funeral prevented people from attending the funerals of their friends. The guidance to this day still insists on social distancing.

Letter to the editorLetter to the editor
Letter to the editor
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Yet O’Neill attended the funeral of a convicted IRA terrorist and then posed for selfies in a graveyard where a political rally, not a burial, was taking place.

We know that she has been interviewed by the police about her conduct and that a file about the funeral is going to the PPS this very day.

Last night the deputy first minister announced lockdown measures which will impact everyone else yet she refuses to face up to her own actions.

As far as she is concerned it is a case of do as I say, not as I do.

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Black is not white no matter how many times Ms O’Neill says it is. She has no credibility when it comes to public health advice and never will have.

Those who partner her in government should reflect on the damage she is doing and the offence she is causing.

Jim Allister QC MLA, Stormont

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