Ian Paisley tells Chief Constable Simon Byrne to resign if PSNI facilitated 'quasi state funeral' of republican Bobby Storey

DUP MP for North Antrim, Ian Paisley, has revealed he has written to PSNI Chief Constable, Simon Byrne, telling him to consider his position should it emerge the PSNI "abdicated their responsibility" for the policing of the funeral of veteran republican, Bobby Storey, in Belfast on June 30.
Andrew Quinn
By Andrew Quinn
Published 9th Jul 2020, 10:51 BST
Updated 9th Jul 2020, 12:52 BST
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Mr. Paisley made the revelation BBC Radio Ulster's 'The Nolan Show' on Thursday morning.

"This was an organised quasi state funeral of 1800 people in uniform turning up to bury a Kray twin," said Mr. Paisley.

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Stephen Nolan asked Mr. Paisley to clarify the claim he made about asking the the Chief Constable to resign.

The PSNI pictured as the funeral cortege makes its way to Milltown Cemetery in Belfast. (Photo: PA Wire)The PSNI pictured as the funeral cortege makes its way to Milltown Cemetery in Belfast. (Photo: PA Wire)
The PSNI pictured as the funeral cortege makes its way to Milltown Cemetery in Belfast. (Photo: PA Wire)

"I said it to him [Chief Constable Simon Byrne] in writing," said Mr. Paisley.

"I told him his position will be untenable if it transpires the police abdicated their responsibility.

"We [DUP] want to see assurances and evidence."

A spokesperson for the PSNI confirmed the Chief Constable had received the letter and stated the investigation into the allegations being levelled at deputy First Minister and Sinn Fein continues.

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Northern Ireland politics was plunged into crisis last week after deputy First Minister was accused of breaking COVID-19 lockdown rules by every other party in the Executive, bar Sinn Fein,

The political fallout has resulted in a breakdown in the relationship between the deputy First Minister and First Minister, Arlene Foster.

Mrs. Foster and Mrs. O'Neill had co-hosted numerous daily press briefings designed to inform the public how Northern Ireland was performing in the battle against the Coronavirus.

The First Minister and deputy First Minister have not co-hosted a press briefing since the day before Mr. Storey's funeral.

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