Arlene Foster: Perception of two-tier policing over Bobby Storey funeral ‘must be addressed’

Police must address a “dangerous” perception of a two-tier approach to the policing of the funeral of IRA veteran Bobby Storey, Arlene Foster has said.
First Minister Arlene FosterFirst Minister Arlene Foster
First Minister Arlene Foster

Police must address a “dangerous” perception of a two-tier approach to the policing of the funeral of IRA veteran Bobby Storey, Arlene Foster has said.

The First Minister questioned the length of time officers were taking to conclude their investigation into alleged coronavirus breaches at the June funeral, which was attended by several senior Sinn Fein figures.

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Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill, who has yet to be interviewed by police about her attendance, also expressed frustration that the matter had not been dealt with.

The funeral on June 30 prompted a major political row in Northern Ireland, with Sinn Fein members accused of ignoring Covid rules by attending an event that saw hundreds line the streets of west Belfast at a time when there were strict limitations in place.

Almost six months on, police have yet to interview Ms O’Neill about the incident.

Liaison between officers and her legal representatives has been ongoing for weeks to set a time and date.

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Police are facing mounting questions over the length of time the process is taking, with critics highlighting that fines have been issued immediately for other Covid regulation breaches, such as at Black Lives Matter protests in the summer.

The PA news agency asked both Mrs Foster and Ms O’Neill about the issue on Friday.

“I just think that there’s a need to get it dealt with as quickly as possible,” said Mrs Foster.

“I mean I know that the police will say that there were particular issues around this but, look, I mean 30th of June was when this happened, we’re now coming up into Christmas and there hasn’t been any decisions made in relation to prosecutions.

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“I think the public deserves to have clarity in relation to that. And I hope we get it very soon.”

Asked about the perception among some of a two-tier approach to policing, the DUP leader said: “That’s always the problem. If people see police taking action against regulation breakers on one occasion and don’t see it in another occasion, and there are high-profile people involved in that other occasion, then there does become that perception and that’s very difficult and dangerous for policing and I think that needs to be addressed.”

Ms O’Neill said there was a need to bring the matter to a conclusion.

“I am frustrated because it does rumble on,” she said.

“So I look forward to an end being put to it, it being clarified and everything being dealt with.”