Belfast City DUP councillors call for investigation into Bobby Storey's cremation service

by Q Radio News

DUP councillors in Belfast are calling for an independent investigation into events surrounding Bobby Storey's cremation service.

It comes after council officials admitted this week, the senior republican's service was the only one of that day where 30 people were allowed to attend an outdoor service on site.

Eight other cremations were held on the same day but the services were restricted to 10 people, despite coronavirus regulations on outdoor gatherings changing late on Monday to accommodate 30 people for outdoor gatherings.

Belfast City Council revealed it took an operational decision to apply the new restriction from Mr Storey's cremation onwards, from 3.30pm on Tuesday afternoon. 

The council has apologised and called it an error of judgement.

(Following a funeral service, a cremation service was held at Roselawn Cemetery for Bobby Storey) 

Meanwhile, in a statement the DUP group on Belfast City Council said a special meeting has been called to discuss the events which occurred at Roselawn Cemetery. 

“We share in the public anger over the disparity in the arrangements permitted for grieving families at Roselawn Cemetery & Crematorium on Tuesday 30th June. 

"We have called for a special meeting of the City Council, this Friday to discuss an urgent interim report which we have requested on these events. 

"There must also be an independent investigation into these events.  We will be formally proposing this at the Council meeting. 

"Roselawn Cemetery should return to normal opening hours with immediate effect. 

"The lack of transparency around these events has undermined public confidence in the workings of the Council which we cannot tolerate.”

Meanwhile, DUP group leader at City Hall George Dorrian says an independent investigation is essential.