Michelle O’Neill has now completely lost any authority with which to instruct the public on social distancing guidelines

In a normal democracy it would be odd to praise a politician for calling on another political leader to resign — it happens all the time, often when there is no good need for the political opponent to step aside. But in Stormont it is not a light step to call for one of the two big leaders to go, because it is an abnormal mandatory coalition.

The system was brought in, some critics would argue, precisely to pander to republicans. It has, to put it mildly, been an imperfect way of doing politics over the last 22 years.

Sinn Fein however does not want Northern Ireland to exist, has been allowed to operate by its own rules and gets ever bolder. It seems everyone else gets weaker. Hence why cross party calls for Ms O’Neill to stand down are significant.

The deputy first minister’s claims yesterday that social distancing was not breached at the funeral by her and countless other people is deserving of the deepest contempt.

It was a flagrant, mass breach of the 30 person gathering limit guidelines. Why should a business now operate controls on the people in their stores when the co leader of Northern Ireland endorses such brazen breach of explicit advice, indeed is in the heart of it?

It was also a specific breach of the 10 person funeral limit guidance and a grave insult to other bereaved people who did not give loved ones a full send off (as is once in a lifetime opportunity).

Already this affair is being marked by weakness. Brandon Lewis said he understands the “frustration and anger” of people at this scandal.

Would it not be helpful if he intervened verbally on behalf of critics of Sinn Fein in the way Irish ministers have pushed for that party’s demands in recent years?

It will be a shocking display of moral failure if Ms O’Neill is allowed again to instruct the public what they can and cannot do in social distancing. She is utterly discredited.

This matter has become a test of whether Sinn Fein will ever — just once — face sanction for disgraceful behaviour.

• News Letter editorial July 1: Michelle O’Neill must resign

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