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The Sinn Féin leader in Northern Ireland has acknowledged that the Stormont Executive’s public health messaging ability was undermined by the controversy surrounding Bobby Storey’s funeral earlier this year.
Michelle O’Neill told RTÉ News that she regrets what happened when large numbers of people attended the veteran Republican’s funeral in June, including herself and party leader Mary Lou McDonald.
He said he hopes the practice of the first and deputy prime minister sharing a platform on pandemic policy issues can be restored for what will be a challenging winter.
The other parts of the Stormont power-sharing administration claimed credibility with the public had been undermined.
Prime Minister and DUP leader Arlene Foster suspended her practice of hosting a joint press conference with Ms O’Neill by delivering Covid-19 updates.
Last night, Ms. O’Neill acknowledged that Stormont’s public health messaging capabilities had been undermined by the dispute.
She said: “I did not mean for this to happen, but it did happen, I accept it and I am sorry that it does.
“I accept that we have not been able to deliver clear messages in the format that was the practice prior to this controversy.”
Ms. O’Neill said she hopes cohesion at the leadership level in the executive can be restored for the challenges ahead and said she was committed to rebuilding public trust.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said she accepts that she and deputy leader Michele O’Neill should not have attended Bobby Storey’s funeral in Belfast in June as it undermined public health messages.
Speaking on Morning Ireland, Ms McDonald said she knows that the large number of people who were on the streets at the funeral gave rise to very sincere and legitimate public concern and that Michele O’Neill has been expressing ‘her and our’ despite the fact that there was some weakening of public health messages.
He said that “of course the numbers on the streets gave rise to great concern, I accept it” and added that “we all have to do our best.”
He said there is a need for a joint effort across the island and in Northern Ireland and from all parties in the NI Executive to support a common platform so that the public can receive a clear message and trust in a common purpose from part of those in government.
He said that at funerals and burials “people have done and will do everything possible” to comply with public health guidelines to keep themselves and everyone else safe.
The incidence of coronavirus in Northern Ireland has increased in recent weeks, with a daily average of more than 90 cases.
Health Minister Robin Swann will recommend tightening the restrictions later today.
Additional reporting PA
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