Sinn Féin ‘faces email questions to members ahead of Bobby Storey’s funeral’

Sinn Féin “faces questions” over an allegation that the party emailed members details of Republican Bobby Storey’s funeral arrangements, describing his wake as “open to the public.”

There was outrage in June as large crowds streamed through the streets of West Belfast despite strict coronavirus restrictions banning large public gatherings.

The scenes at the height of the pandemic sparked outrage and called for the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Michelle O’Neill, who was among those in attendance.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) continues to investigate allegations that social distancing rules were violated at the time.

the Independent Sunday reported that Sinn Féin emailed thousands of party members the full details of the funeral arrangements and told them that the wake would be open to the public.

The party responded to the report saying that the email “was sent for informational purposes only.”

“This was followed by another email highlighting that Bobby Storey’s funeral proceedings would be broadcast live on Sinn Féin’s social media accounts, which were viewed by almost 250,000 people,” said a spokesperson.

Political opponents on both sides of the Irish border have criticized Sinn Féin over the issue.

Fine Gael Senator Emer Currie said the public health message from both North and South authorities was “undermined.”

“It also caused anger and discomfort for understandable reasons, at a time when so many families were unable to say goodbye to their loved ones during the pandemic,” he said.

“This email shows that this was not a spontaneous event or a momentary lapse of judgment on the part of the political figures present.

“They not only damaged public health messages at a crucial time, but they also damaged relationships in northern communities that needed to come together to fight the pandemic.”

DUP MLA Christopher Stalford said the reported email “confirms what everyone already knew.”

“People did not take to the streets of Belfast during the height of the first wave of Covid of their own free will,” he said.