Statement by TUV spokesperson Jordan Armstrong:
“Once again the streets of Northern Ireland have been subjected to a Republican show of strength which would be offensive at any time. However, when set in the context of the pandemic, with funerals limited by law to just 25 people, such a display is doubly insulting.
“In light of the posts on social media which have been uncovered by the press in just a few hours after the funeral the PSNI have serious questions to answer about their policing operation. McCourt was a well known Republican convict and the Provo refusal to abandon their grotesque practice of turning funerals into rallies is hardly news to anyone.
“So where were the police? Those who in recent days and months have forgone a normal funeral in order to keep within the law have a right to expect answers.
“It is imperative that the PSNI do everything in their power to dispel the widespread belief that Republicans can do what they like in Northern Ireland.
“There are also big questions for Sinn Fein. Will they condemn what happened today in Londonderry? Can we be sure that elected officials from that party did not attend?
“Once again on one and the same day Stormont debates Covid restrictions which apply to the rest of us while Republicans break Covid restrictions in broad daylight. This is not a thing done in a corner. It is imperative that the PSNI act and act swiftly if they are to salvage any of their tarnished reputation.”