Michelle O'Neill finally says 'sorry' - but only for hurt caused, rather than her actions

All of the other parties in the Northern Ireland Executive have been piling pressure on the deputy First Minister to apologise and consider her position.

Mrs. O'Neill issued a statement on Friday morning in which she said "sorry" for any hurt caused to grieving families who had to adhere to lockdown rules during the COVID-19 crisis.

“There has been considerable controversy over my attendance at Bobby Storey’s funeral," said the deputy First Minister.

“He was my friend.

"At the foremost of my mind are all the families who are grieving.

“I have listened carefully to the voices of those who have lost loved ones.

“No family’s grief is more important than another’s."

She added: “I am particularly concerned that grieving families, who have lost a loved one during the pandemic had their heartache compounded by the necessary restrictions which were in place at that time.

“Not being able to have their family and friends’ support to help them through was hugely difficult.

“I am also concerned that those grieving families are experiencing more hurt over recent days. I am sorry for that.

“Bobby’s family also must have space to grieve."

Mrs. O'Neill continues to insist she adhered to public health guidance throughout the funeral and reaffirmed her intention to spearhead Northern Ireland's recovery from COVID-19 alongside First Minister, Arlene Foster.

“If the regulations had prevented me from attending his funeral I would have obeyed those regulations.

“At the funeral and mass I kept to the regulations as I have advised others to do.

“The PSNI will look into all of this."

She continued: “It is unfortunate that this matter has divided the Executive.

“We have important work to do and I firmly believe that all the parties of the Executive are committed to this and to powersharing.

“We have made good progress in this despite all the difficulties. My commitment is to continue this work

“Covid 19 is still with us and I will continue to lead us through this and in to recovery.”

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