Ulster Unionist Leader, Steve Aiken OBE MLA, said:
“What we saw at the funeral of top IRA man, Bobby Storey, were the leaders of the republican movement showing a flagrant disregard for public health guidance. The actions by Michelle O`Neill in particular, demonstrate contempt for the Coronavirus regulations and the general public. There are families across Northern Ireland who have been left distraught as the wakes and funerals which would normally accompany the death of a loved one have been drastically curtailed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the draconian measures which had to be brought in to deal with it. Yet Sinn Fein seem to think this doesn`t apply to them.
“This wasn`t just one individual Sinn Fein elected representative involved; it involved all leaders of the republican movement, both elected and unelected. It is hard to see how Michelle O`Neill can now stand at an Executive Press Conference with any credibility, integrity and authority and ask the people of Northern Ireland to listen to her. Any normal political leader would be considering their position. If people were angry at Dominic Cummings, they should also be angry at Michelle O`Neill.
“Despite the hypocrisy demonstrated by Sinn Fein politicians I would appeal to the public of Northern Ireland to listen to the Health Minister. We are not through this pandemic, the virus is still here and everyone should abide by the public health guidance. It will help save lives.”