Foster says O’Neill apology over funeral ‘falls short’

First Minister Arlene Foster has said Michelle O’Neill’s apology over the controversy surrounding her attendance at Bobby Storey’s funeral “falls short” and “trust has been lost”.

The Sinn Féin deputy First Minister has been under fire since joining large crowds of mourners as the cortege for the senior republican and former IRA member passed through west Belfast.

Calls have been made for her to step aside, amid claims she and other senior Sinn Féin figures flouted coronavirus regulations and guidance they helped set.

Ms O’Neill has stood by her decision, but said sorry for hurt caused to grieving families who have been bereaved during lockdown.

She added: “I will never apologise for attending the funeral of my friend.”

However, DUP leader Arlene Foster said trust between members of the Stormont coalition and her partner in government’s credibility in delivering Covid-19 health messaging have been damaged.

Referencing the hurt caused to bereaved families who saw thousands line the streets for Mr Storey’s funeral, Mrs Foster said: “Regrettably, the role of the deputy First Minister in causing that hurt has not been acknowledged today.

“I think it falls short of that. I regret that that is the case.”

Mrs Foster said she would be speaking further to other party leaders to try to address the controversy.

The DUP leader also reiterated her demand that Ms O’Neill step aside while police investigate possible social-distancing breaches.

But the Sinn Féin vice president has insisted she acted within the rules in respect of all things within her control, such as the size of the cortege and the number of people inside St Agnes’ Church.

Ms O’Neill said her focus was on continuing to “ lead us through this [Covid-19] and into recovery”.

• Read more: Michelle O’Neill addresses Storey funeral controversy

• Read more: Thousands attend funeral of republican and IRA member Bobby Storey