Politicians united in calling for apology from SF ministers over attendance at funeral
'Michelle O'Neill's credibility shot to bits': DUP MLA Christopher Salford
The DUP is expected to meet the PSNI today (Wednesday) over alleged social distancing breaches at last week's funeral of veteran republican Bobby Storey.
After a two-hour debate in Stormont last night, a motion passed - calling for Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Finance Minister Conor Murphy to apologise for going.
DUP Assembly member Christopher Stalford said: "I regret to say that the Deputy First Minister's credibility is shot to bits.''
The resolution was backed by the DUP, UUP, SDLP and Alliance but does not have any practical legal effect.
DUP First Minister Arlene Foster has asked her powersharing partner to step aside while PSNI officers consider the matter.
Ms O'Neill has apologised "for grieving families experiencing more hurt''.
Police are investigating whether any social distancing breaches occurred.
Ms O'Neill has said she did everything she could to minimise numbers including encouraging thousands to watch it online while marshals kept the crowds away from the cortege during the journey through west Belfast.
On Tuesday she said: "It was not and would never be my intention to hurt anybody within society.''
She added: "I am satisfied that I did act responsibly within the church, as part of the cortege and at Milltown Cemetery.
"I take very seriously indeed my responsibility as a public office holder.
"I have acted in accordance with those responsibilities.''
Mr Storey was cremated at Roselawn cemetery in the east of the city where 30 people were allowed to attend an outdoor committal service.
The other eight cremations that took place on the same day were not allowed services at the site.
Belfast City Council has apologised to those families.
Mr Stalford said social distancing breaches included:
- Hundreds of people following behind the cortege;
- Widespread advertising of the event online;
- Installation of a public address system at Milltown Cemetery;
- A "mass rally'' at the cemetery
Mr Stalford, who represents South Belfast, said: "These rules don't apply to a senior member of Sinn Fein who is being buried.
"That is what really sticks in people's craw.
"That is what is at the core of this issue.
"Do as I say, not as I do.''