Michelle O'Neill has this morning issued a statement addressing the controversy which has surrounded her attendance at veteran Republican Bobby Storey's funeral.
In the statement the Deputy First Minister said she kept to the regulations at the funeral and mass as she 'advised others to do'.
The Sinn Fein Vice President also apologised to grieving families who have been 'experiencing more hurt over recent days'.
The statement 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.
“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."
Ms O'Neill added that her commitment is to continue the good work the Executive have done.
She said: “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.”
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