Video: Arlene Foster says Michelle O'Neill's apology fell short and she should step aside

First Minister Arlene Foster said Michelle O'Neill's apology over the Bobby Storey funeral fell short and has asked her to step aside.

The DUP leader reiterated her earlier demand that her Sinn Féin partner in government stand aside while possible breaches of social distancing regulations at the funeral are investigated.

The SDLP and Ulster Unionists have also called on Ms O'Neill to step aside.

[ Read more: Video - Michelle O'Neill says she 'would never set out to hurt any family'Opens in new window ]

At a press conference this afternoon, Ms O'Neill apologised to families who had been hurt by scenes of large crowds at the IRA veteran's funeral on Tuesday.

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However, Mrs Foster said relationships at Stormont and her powersharing partner's credibility in giving out coronavirus messages to the public had been damaged.

"There was no recognition of any wrongdoing or recognition that there was a problem, no recognition that the credibility of the Executive has been damaged," she said.

"We need to recognise that there is a problem and try to deal with the problem."

Arlene Foster said Michelle O'Neill's role in causing hurt has not been properly acknowledged.

She said: "It falls short of that.

"We regret that that is the case, we will try and deal with that matter, speaking to other party leaders.

"It is important that we try and rebuild that trust that has been lost."

Ms O'Neill has helped spearhead the Executive's Covid-19 messaging during recent weeks.

During a press conference in Fermanagh the DUP leader said: "Unfortunately the credibility of that messaging has been badly damaged over this past week.

"We still have a plan, these regulations and guidance are still in place, it is important that people continue to abide by that guidance and the regulations."

Earlier today, Ms O'Neill insisted she adhered to social distancing measures at Bobby Storey's funeral.

Present coronavirus regulations mean that no more than 30 mourners can attend funerals in the north.

Ms O'Neill again today insisted she acted within the rules with regard to the things that were within her control, including the size of the cortege and the numbers attending inside St Agnes' Church.

"I will never apologise for attending the funeral of my friend," she added.

Ms O'Neill acknowledged that some families may have been upset by seeing the crowds.

"I am also very conscious of the fact that over the course of the past number of days that families would have felt even more hurt and I am sorry for that," she said.