O’Neill ‘right to acknowledge undermining of public health message’

UTV
Coronavirus
Politics
Health
Thursday 10 September 2020 at 7:49pm

Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill expressed regret that large crowds attended Bobby Storey's funeral in Belfast in June. Credit: PA

First Minister Arlene Foster has said her partner in government, Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill, was right to acknowledge her part in the undermining of Stormont’s public health messaging.

The deputy First Minister has been under fire since attending the funeral of party colleague and former IRA veteran Bobby Storey in June, amid claims Covid-19 restrictions were breached.

The row led to the halting of joint press briefings by the First and deputy First Ministers.

Ms O’Neill has previously said she was sorry grieving families denied access to funerals had experienced more hurt over the situation.

This week, she told RTÉ that she acknowledged Stormont’s public health messaging had been undermined, adding: “It wasn’t my intention this would happen, but it did.

“I accept this and I regret this is the case.”

Her comments have been welcomed by both Mrs Foster and Taoiseach Micheál Martin, ahead of a crucial meeting of the Northern Ireland Executive on the tightening of coronavirus restrictions.

“It is right that the deputy First Minister has acknowledged the undermining of the public messaging as a result of what happened, and the deep hurt and anger that was caused as a result of Michelle O’Neill's action,” the DUP leader said.

“Those who set the rules must abide by the rules.”

Mrs Foster added: “Clearly those investigations and inquiries into the activities at the funeral which we instigated must continue and we look forward to their conclusions as soon as possible.”

The DUP leader could face a challenge in persuading members of her own party to back any decision to resume joint coronavirus briefings though.

DUP Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart said on Twitter: “The consequences of their blatant disregard for the public health message is evidenced in the case count, yet sorry seems to be the hardest word.

“Breathtaking arrogance. What they expect of others they won't do themselves.”

However, the First and deputy First Ministers held a joint press conference on Thursday evening to announce localised restrictions for Belfast and Ballymena.