Bobby Storey funeral: Arlene Foster says Michelle O’Neill must recognise credibility has been damaged

First Minister Arlene Foster has pressed Sinn Fein for a “recognition that the credibility of messaging was damaged”.
DUP leader Arlene Foster speaks to the media in Fermanagh on ThursdayDUP leader Arlene Foster speaks to the media in Fermanagh on Thursday
DUP leader Arlene Foster speaks to the media in Fermanagh on Thursday

The DUP leader was speaking a week after Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Finance Minister Conor Murphy attended the funeral of senior republican Bobby Storey.

Huge crowds lined the route of the veteran republican and former IRA member’s cortege in west Belfast last week.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Sinn Fein ministers have been widely criticised for their attendance at the event, which is being investigated by police for potential breaches of the coronavirus regulations which limit numbers at social gatherings.

Mrs Foster and Ms O’Neill have not appeared together for an update on the Executive’s approach to the coronavirus pandemic since the row.

The first minister was asked when the joint press conferences will return as she updated the media by herself in Co Fermanagh yesterday.

She responded: “It’s not a case of doing a solo press conference, I am in Fermanagh today, as well as that, there does have to be a recognition that the credibility of messaging was damaged by what happened last week.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I hope that we can build that credibility up again, but there has to be a willingness to acknowledge that it was damaged during what happened in west Belfast last Tuesday.

“I have to lead, it is my duty to lead the Executive. We have a job to do in terms of coronavirus and we certainly have a job to do in relation to the recovery and renewal of Northern Ireland.

“I very much welcome the chancellor’s statement yesterday and the extra money that is coming into Northern Ireland, but we still have a huge job of work to do and I am determined to continue to do it.”

Meanwhile, Mrs Foster refused to comment on a postponed trip by Taoiseach Micheal Martin to Northern Ireland.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Martin had been due to meet with Mrs Foster and Ms O’Neill, but the visit was cancelled because of “scheduling matters”.

It was reported in the press that the Fianna Fail leader was to travel to Belfast today, however a number hours later Mr Martin’s office confirmed that the meeting was suspended because of scheduling issues.

There was speculation, however, that Mrs Foster’s office was not made aware of the visit.

The taoiseach will now travel to Belfast next Thursday, marking his first visit to Northern Ireland as head of government.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Asked about the reports in the press about the suspended trip, Mrs Foster said: “I don’t usually take from the press what is happening.

“I usually take what’s happening from my private office.

“I’m looking forward very much to the taoiseach coming up to Northern Ireland next Thursday as I understand it.

“We shall meet him then.”