Many of the restrictions imposed during lockdown have caused real difficulties for families but one of the hardest to bear has been the guidance in relation to funerals.
Not only were people unable to see their loved ones in hospitals or care homes before they passed away, but the usual rituals around Irish funerals - welcoming people to the wake house, the full church service attended by friends and family, the gathering at the graveside for burial - all were prohibited in the interests of preventing the spread of coronavirus.
Painful though those strictures were - and before the pandemic it would have been unthinkable that families would have to choose the few among them who would be allowed to attend the funeral of a close relative - people overwhelmingly adhered to the rules because that is what why were asked to do.
For restrictive measures to work they have to be applied to everyone without exception, which is why there was such a furious reaction to Dominic Cummings' actions a few weeks ago.
Some of the families that sacrificed so much during this crisis are understandably upset when they see the deputy first minister, and other senior elected representatives, attending one of the largest funerals we have witnessed in Northern Ireland during the pandemic.
It was anticipated that the funeral for Bobby Storey, a high profile figure in the Republican Movement, was going to be a large-scale event and so it proved, with considerable crowds lining the route and more mourners than usual allowed into the church.
Michelle O'Neill defended her presence, saying she was satisfied her actions were 'within the regulations and the public health guidance'.
Questions remain about some of those regulations while it is clear social distancing was breached during the taking of a selfie and on other occasions.
Political opponents have issued calls for the deputy first minister's resignation, however, Arlene Foster, while critical, is not among them which indicates she is not prepared to put this administration at risk over this matter.
But the issue is more about what impact this controversy will have on the public health message and the credibility and authority of those in leadership positions who are asking people to observe tough but essential rules.
This goes well beyond politics, it is about leading by example. Otherwise there is a danger we will lose the widespread compliance that will keep us all safe in the weeks and months ahead.
