The Ulster Unionist Party’s Alderman Sonia Copeland has responded to the release of a report commissioned by Belfast City Council into the arrangements surrounding the funeral of former IRA terrorist Bobby Storey.
Alderman Sonia Copeland said:
“Today the long awaited report by the barrister, Peter Coll QC, commissioned by Belfast City Council into the arrangements surrounding the funeral of former IRA terrorist Bobby Storey in June of last year, has been released.
“It is a very comprehensive document running to over 100 pages and will require careful consideration.
“There is no question that mistakes were made, not least with the inequality of treatment between the Storey family who were permitted to enter Roselawn and stand outside the Crematorium, and eight other families, also present on that day, who were not allowed in. I want to establish exactly who was in charge on the day; who decided to admit the Storey family and friends; on what authority they acted; and on what authority they refused access to other grieving families.
“It is clear that a number of lessons have to be learned and action taken to ensure that confidence in the City Council – which has been badly shaken as a result of this – is restored. This report relates to a shameful day that must never be repeated.”