Bobby Storey: 'No political interference' by Sinn Fein into cremation of former IRA leader

Mr. Storey's funeral and subsequent cremation occurred on on June 30, 2020.

The investigation looked into allegations Sinn Fein exerted pressure upon the then Chief Executive Officer of Belfast City Council to treat Mr. Storey's relatives and cremation at Roselawn Cremetorium different to the eight other families whose loved ones were cremated on the same day.

Belfast City Council issued an apology to these families in July last year after it emerged they were not allowed into Roselawn Crematorium because of Covid-19 rules but up to 30 of Mr. Storey's relatives and friends were permitted to do so.

Sinn Féin councillor Ciarán Beattie welcomed the publication of the independent investigation.

"I welcome the publication of this independent report carried out by Peter Coll QC.

"First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the grief and suffering of all the families involved and all of those who have lost loved ones during this pandemic.

"In this report, Peter Coll has made it clear that there was no political interference at Roselawn Crematorium or in the operation of council's policy at the facility and I welcome that.

"There was a lot of misinformation put into the public domain which only added to the hurt and grief of all the families involved and that has been addressed in this report.

"I understand and acknowledge that this was an extremely difficult issue for council staff and workers to deal with in the face of the unprecedented challenges presented by the pandemic and hopefully the publication of this report will address the concerns raised.

"All of the families involved, including the Storey family, were put through more grief and trauma by the controversy created around this and I hope that with the publication of this report their questions will be answered and they can now grieve in peace."

The full 100 page report is due to be published later this afternoon.

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