Northern Ireland

Delay in funeral for Bobby Storey

Bobby Storey and Gerry Adams. Picture Mal McCann.
Bobby Storey and Gerry Adams. Picture Mal McCann. Bobby Storey and Gerry Adams. Picture Mal McCann.

Arrangements for the funeral of senior republican Bobby Storey have still not been finalised after a delay in returning his remains to his family.

The former Sinn Féin chairman died in hospital in England on Sunday from complications following a double lung transplant.

A close friend of former party president Gerry Adams, he had been ill for some time prior to his death.

READ MORE: Bobby Storey 'one of the bravest people I knew', Gerry Adams saysOpens in new window ]

It is understood that an autopsy was to be carried out delaying the return of his remains for a funeral. That may now not take place until the weekend.

With some covid restrictions still in place it is expected that his funeral will adhere to social distancing, with plans to line the route as the cortège leaves his Andersonstown home.

Paying tribute to the 64-year-old Mr Adams said his death was "a huge political blow for republicans but is also a very personal loss for all of us who knew him."