Bobby Storey funeral: Whoever leads probe into botched council conduct ‘could get £1,500 per day’

The rate offered to whoever leads the inquiry into Belfast City Council’s botched handling of the Bobby Storey funeral could be in the region of £1,500 per day, it has been estimated.
By Adam Kula
Published 11th Aug 2020, 07:00 BST
Bobby Storey in 2018 with Gerry AdamsBobby Storey in 2018 with Gerry Adams
Bobby Storey in 2018 with Gerry Adams

Sir Malcolm told the News Letter that he decided against taking on the task because of the time commitments which it would involve.

He said the council had not reached the stage where a payment package was offered to him.

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The source said that whilst the council has yet to find someone to lead the probe, “you generally find most of these people would be looking for about at least £1,500 per day”.

Sir Malcolm McKibbin in 2017Sir Malcolm McKibbin in 2017
Sir Malcolm McKibbin in 2017

They added: “That’s fact. The council are not offering anything [right now].

“They’re basically just actively looking for somebody, and then that’d have to be part of the negotiations in regards to how much it’s going to cost.

“But that is the going rate.”

The council said only that it would not comment while an independent investigation is pending.

Sinn Fein also did not respond.

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It has already been established that whilst the Storey family were permitted to hold a funeral service at the council-run crematorium, eight other grieving families were barred that day.

At the time, the rules said only 30 people were allowed to gather outside, with an internal council report (which has been rejected by unionist councillors) saying there were 28 mourners for Mr Storey, plus seven specially-brought in stewards.

They also said that friends or family were able to attend funerals at the time – not both.

READ MORE FROM THIS REPORTER:

News: Second Sinn Fein minister admits using official car to go to Bobby Storey IRA funeralNews: Bobby Storey funeral: Roselawn gathering was ‘a low-key dignified send-off’ says report which absolves council of acting politically——————

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