Northern Ireland

Martina Anderson's Michelle O'Neill remarks 'sycophantic drivel', Colum Eastwood says

Martina Anderson said the 'republican family' needed Michelle O'Neill at Bobby Storey's funeral
Martina Anderson said the 'republican family' needed Michelle O'Neill at Bobby Storey's funeral Martina Anderson said the 'republican family' needed Michelle O'Neill at Bobby Storey's funeral

A Sinn Féin MLA's claim that the party's deputy leader needed to be at Bobby Storey's funeral to provide "comfort and guidance" for republicans has been described as "sycophantic drivel".

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood criticised Sinn Féin members of Stormont's Executive Committee who on Wednesday sought to justify the deputy first minister's attendance at the leading republican's funeral in west Belfast.

Michelle O'Neill has been widely criticised and faced calls to step aside after attending Tuesday's funeral alongside hundreds of mourners who lined the route and joined the interment in Milltown Cemetery.

READ MORE: Stormont leaders to meet today amid Michelle O'Neill standoffOpens in new window ]

As Ms O'Neill appeared at the committee alongside First Minister Arlene Foster, Foyle MLA Martina Anderson said the deputy leader's presence at the funeral was necessary.

"Michelle, you had to be there yesterday," Ms Anderson said.

"The republican family needed you there yesterday... because you give us comfort and guidance."

Colum Eastwood criticised Sinn Féin members who sought to justify the deputy first minister's attendance at Bobby Storey's funeral. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Colum Eastwood criticised Sinn Féin members who sought to justify the deputy first minister's attendance at Bobby Storey's funeral. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire Colum Eastwood criticised Sinn Féin members who sought to justify the deputy first minister's attendance at Bobby Storey's funeral. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Speaking on the Nolan Show yesterday, Mr Eastwood singled out the former MEP for criticism, after describing the contributions from Sinn Féin committee members as "sycophantic drivel".

"I find it very difficult to listen to," the Foyle MP said.

"If you listen to what Martina Anderson was saying at the committee I think people would have found that very hard to take."