Michelle O'Neill apologises to grieving families for any hurt caused by her attendance at Bobby Storey funeral

In a statement issued on Friday morning she said: “There has been considerable controversy over my attendance at Bobby Storey’s funeral.

“He was my friend. At the foremost of my mind are all the families who are grieving.

“I have listened carefully to the voices of those who have lost loved ones.

“No family’s grief is more important than another’s.

“I am particularly concerned that grieving families, who have lost a loved one during the pandemic had their heartache compounded by the necessary restrictions which were in place at that time.

“Not being able to have their family and friends’ support to help them through was hugely difficult.

“I am also concerned that those grieving families are experiencing more hurt over recent days. I am sorry for that."

The Deputy First Minister, who faced calls to stand down from fellow members of the Stormont Executive, insisted, however, that the coronavirus regulations were adhered to on Tuesday.

“Bobby’s family also must have space to grieve.

“If the regulations had prevented me from attending his funeral I would have obeyed those regulations.

“At the funeral and mass I kept to the regulations as I have advised others to do.

“The PSNI will look into all of this.

“It is unfortunate that this matter has divided the Executive.

“We have important work to do and I firmly believe that all the parties of the Executive are committed to this and to powersharing.

“We have made good progress in this despite all the difficulties. My commitment is to continue this work.

“Covid 19 is still with us and I will continue to lead us through this and in to recovery," she said.