The Tánaiste referred to last year’s Belfast funeral of former IRA commander Bobby Storey which involved a large crowd lining the route.
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald later expressed regret at the lack of social distancing at that event, which was criticised by the PSNI.
Under pressure at Stormont, Sinn Fein’s Northern leader, Michelle O’Neill, later apologised.
Three Sinn Féin local representatives attended the latest funeral in Derry, where a tricolour surmounted the remains of Eamon ‘Peggy’ McCourt (62), who reportedly died with Covid-19.
Sinn Féin spokesman Gerry Kelly, a former Maze escaper, said “two or three” party councillors had attended. The deceased, a former Provo, was wounded when the SAS opened fire on a car in 1981, killing IRA men George McBrearty and Charles ‘Pop’ Maguire.
Covid-19: NI health and social care workers to get £500 payment
By Jayne McCormack
Published
image captionRobin Swann says all health workers are valued and have worked tirelessly during the pandemic
Health workers in Northern Ireland are to get a special recognition payment for their work during the pandemic.
It is intended that all staff will receive a payment of £500, said Health Minister Robin Swann.
However, it will be subject to approval from the Department of Finance.
There had been calls from some political parties and health unions for staff to be recognised for their efforts.
Scotland has already announced a similar one-off payment and Mr Swann said it would reflect the principle of parity .
The Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has written to the Taoiseach Micheál Martin demanding that he "act" on new information relating to Tánaiste Leo Varadkar's leaking of a GP contract.
Teachta McDonald said:
“President Biden carries the hopes of many in the United States and around the world. We do not underestimate the challenges facing the incoming administration, including the public health crisis and deep societal divisions which will take time to heal.
“There can be no doubt that there are unprecedented challenges ahead but today is a moment of hope for reconciliation and healing across the US. Things may never be the same, but with leadership they can be better.
“President Biden has long been a friend of Ireland. The connections between our nations are greater than any political alliance - they are bonds of history, family and friendship. The United States has stood with Ireland, including protecting our peace agreements in the Brexit process and President Biden has been a key friend in achieving this.
Yesterday was a day of mixed emotions for the survivors of Mother and Baby Homes.
After five years, the report of the Commission was finally published. It was a very long process from which many survivors and their advocates felt excluded and ignored.
Still, there was slight hope that the publication of the report would bring truth and real accountability.
For many those hopes were dashed. Sadly, many survivors are upset, deflated and angry by some of what they have read in the report.
The assertions that there were no forced adoptions, that there exists little evidence of physical abuse and the overarching attempt to shift responsibility from the State and churches has left survivors shocked and some outraged.