Edwin Poots says Sinn Fein ‘tried to distort and twist’ what he said about Covid-19 in nationalist areas

Last Friday, in an interview with UTV, Mr. Poots appeared to imply there was a link with what occurred at the funeral of veteran republican, Bobby Storey, on June 30 and the rise in cases of Covid-19 in September.

“A lot of this started shortly after the Bobby Storey funeral - a lot of the problems started after that event,” said Mr. Poots.

“People in that community saw the breaking of the rules.

“That’s why there’s a difference between nationalist areas and unionist areas.

“The difference is about 6 to 1.”

People from a variety of different political persuasions condemned Mr. Poots’ comments, accusing him of sectarianising the Covid-19 pandemic in Northern Ireland.

“Over the course of the last few days Sinn Fein and others have tried to distort and twist comments I made in reference to the spread of Covid-19,” said Mr. Poots.

“At no time did I attribute the spread of Covid-19 to religion.

“It is deeply regrettable that such a narrative has been created.

“It is obvious such spread is related to behavioural issues nothing more nothing less.

“I cherish my Catholic friends and neighbours.

“I would never intentionally use words that would cause them offence.

“Covid-19 is spread by bad behaviour such as that exemplified at the Bobby Storey funeral,” he said.