O’Neill has lost authority to issue Covid-19 guidance – Lockhart

The public has lost confidence in Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill, a DUP representative has claimed.
His remains left the family home on Owenvarragh Park and will be taken to the Republican plot at Milltown CemeteryHis remains left the family home on Owenvarragh Park and will be taken to the Republican plot at Milltown Cemetery
His remains left the family home on Owenvarragh Park and will be taken to the Republican plot at Milltown Cemetery

Commenting on the attendance of Deputy First Minister at the funeral of Bobby Storey, DUP MP Carla Lockhart also said the Sinn Fein representative should consider her position in the interest of public health.

The Upper Bann MP said: “There is a palpable anger across the community at the actions of the Sinn Fein Leadership and their clear breach of the rules they have set in recent months.

“For months the public have listened to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister stand together in the face of this horrendous virus, and along with the Health Minister issue regulations and guidance to keep us safe.

“What we witnessed yesterday was the Deputy First Minister display her belief that the rules she has set do not apply to her. Her justification of her actions seem to be that Mr Storey was an ‘important’ figure in republican circles. What breath-taking arrogance.

“Mr Storey is no more important than any of those who have lost their lives in recent months, and whose families, friends and local communities have not been able to share their grief at the funeral.

“The public very much see this as a case of “do as I say, not as I do.” It has been a slap in the face of so many people right across the community who continue to grieve.

“The reality is that the public now look at Mrs O’Neill and have no respect for her as the arbiter or messenger of public health guidance. That poses a real risk to our fight against Covid-19.

“It is in the interests of public health that she should step aside, to re-establish the authority of her office to set the rules and regulations. If she chooses to remain in position, the breakdown of adherence to the Covid-19 regulations will be on her shoulders.

“That is a heavy responsibility and it is one that the Deputy First Minister should think long and hard on.”

Deputy First Minister O’Neill defended the attendance of several senior Sinn Féin politicians at the funeral of veteran republican Bobby Storey.

Ms O’Neill said the funeral had taken place “in accordance” with coronavirus guidelines.

She was among hundreds of mourners in west Belfast on Tuesday.

Current coronavirus regulations state a maximum of 30 people are allowed to gather together outdoors.

“It was all done in accordance with the guidelines,” Ms O’Neill told the Irish News.

She said the cortege had a “maximum of 30 people in it” and that the service at St Agnes’s Church had been “exemplary” in relation to social distancing and hygiene.

Inside the church only three mourners shared a pew, she said.

The Sinn Féin vice-president added: “Regrettably a considerable number of family members were unable to take part in the cortege as a result of current restrictions, like many other families who have been unable to properly grieve or mourn the loss of a loved one in a traditional way as a result of the Covid crisis.”