Sinn Fein should set example... but it’s a case of ‘do as I say, not as I do’

Sinn Fein has adopted an uncompromising approach to fighting coronavirus in Northern Ireland. On school closures, workplace regulations and much more, the party has rightly insisted that health and safety trumps all else.

The funeral of Bobby Storey (right) should be no different. No ifs, buts or maybes. It doesn’t matter that he was Sinn Fein’s northern chairman, spent 20 years in jail, or has heroic status for some in the republican community.

The same guidelines that apply when ordinary folk die apply to Bobby Storey, too. Just imagine the outrage there would be in the nationalist community if loyalists flouted the rules for a UDA or UVF funeral?

Hundreds lined the Andersonstown Road as Storey’s body arrived back in Belfast last night. A guard of honour flanked the coffin and a three-day wake is under way.

The guidelines set by the Executive in which Sinn Fein sits are very clear. Remains should not be taken home to rest and wakes should not be held. Outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people are not permitted. These guidelines are unbelievably tough for bereaved families and friends. We know how important the rituals around death are to everyone on this island. But if Sinn Fein doesn’t like the guidelines, then it shouldn’t have set them.

Two DUP politicians’ fathers died during the coronavirus crisis. Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots lost his father, Charlie, and Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson lost his dad Jim in April.

The Poots found it particularly hard not to have a wake and to give Charlie — a DUP founder — the farewell they would have liked.

But both families followed the guidelines and went to great lengths to ensure that the funerals were private with no large crowds congregated. That’s showing leadership in challenging circumstances.

Sinn Fein’s Gerry Kelly has been liaising with the PSNI about Storey’s funeral. No doubt stewards will attempt to ensure social distancing among mourners.

But the fact remains that the coronavirus guidelines have already been breached. Even with mourners restricted to 10 inside the church, any public gathering on the streets will flout them further.

It leaves Sinn Fein open to the charge of double standards, and it encourages others to break rules that don’t suit them.

The Orange Order has cancelled its Twelfth parades. But how many loyalists watching Bobby Storey’s funeral will now decide they’re going to hold their own local parades and bonfires in July regardless?

Last month, Dr Tom Black, chair of the British Medical Association’s council in Northern Ireland, said it was essential that the public adhered to the guidelines on wakes and funerals to stop preventable deaths from Covid-19.

Sinn Fein had the chance to set an example with Bobby Storey’s funeral. Unfortunately, it’s been a classic case of ‘do as I say, not as I do’.