THE row over Monday’s funeral of Derry republican Eamon “Peggy” McCourt is expected to spill over into the council chamber.
The DUP's deputy mayor of Derry and Strabane council, Graham Warke, said the party intended raising the fall-out at tomorrow’s monthly meeting.
He said councillors have been inundated by members of the public angered by the numbers who attended the funeral in apparent breach of Covid-19 guidelines.
Police have launched an investigation after a large number of mourners followed Mr McCourt’s cortege as it made its way from his home in Creggan to St Mary’s Church and later to Derry city cemetery.
Chief Superintendent Darrin Jones said police had been given assurances that people paying their respects would do so from outside their homes.
“Regrettably, a significant number of people gathered as part of the cortege in a manner likely to be in breach of the health guidelines.”
Mr McCourt (62) died on Saturday with suspected Covid-19.
The former republican prisoner was involved in one of the most notorious episodes of the Troubles in 1981 when he was injured in a shooting exchange between the IRA and SAS in which IRA members Charles 'Pop' Maguire and George McBrearty were killed.
A number of people dressed in black trousers and white shirts with black ties formed what Mr McCourt’s family described as a “guard of honour” as his remains were brought to the church and later to Derry city cemetery.
Sinn Féin said it played no part in the funeral arrangements, although some local councillors attended.
However, unionist leaders drew comparisons with the funeral of Belfast republican Bobby Storey last June.
Following the funeral, Mr McCourt’s son, also Eamon, thanked all those who took part.
He said: “The guard of honour led with family including the son and grandson of George McBrearty was a privilege to our family and to my daddy no doubt. Thank everyone of you.
“To my da’s second family, his comrades, the republican movement, we can’t thank you enough for giving him the respect and the best republican funeral we could give in these awful times.”
The row looks certain to continue with unionist members of Derry and Strabane council pledging to raise the funeral at tomorrow’s monthly meeting of the authority.
Mr Warke said his party was responding to requests from members of the public.
“It has to be raised; we are being contacted by people from right across the city and beyond and not just party supporters," he said.
"This has caused a lot of hurt. It is a health issue; people are losing their lives because of Covid and it appears the PSNI did not act."
