SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said that scenes from a republican funeral in Derry will be ‘heart breaking’ for families who have sacrificed the right to say goodbye to a loved one during the Covid-19 crisis.
The Foyle MP said that all parties should come together again to send a clear message to our community that the Covid-19 restrictions apply to everyone equally.
A large crowd gathered on Monday in Creggan for the funeral of veteran republican Eamonn ‘Peggy’ McCourt who died in Altnagelvin hospital at the weekend from Coronavirus.
Said Mr Eastwood: “The scenes from this funeral are heart breaking.
“Thousands of families across our communities, and hundreds in Derry alone, have sacrificed the right to say goodbye to their loved ones during this crisis.
“They have acted selflessly to protect their neighbours and friends and pictures like these will feel like a slap in the face.
“I understand the grief that this family is experiencing. We have all experienced the trauma of loss during the pandemic.
“But those who gathered in this large crowd outside of the restrictions have abandoned their duty to their neighbours and to our community.
“My message to people in all of our communities is simple – please do not gather in large crowds.
“It is not safe and by doing it, you’re risking the lives of everyone you come into contact with.”
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