A taoiseach at an IRA funeral would cause hurt, Harris says

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

Mary Lou McDonald has defended saying she would possibly attend an IRA funeral if she becomes Ireland’s next Taoiseach.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said that this was “disappointing” and that a taoiseach attending an IRA funeral would “cause a lot of hurt to people”.

Ms McDonald first made the comments on Virgin Media’s The Big Interview on Wednesday.

Asked about the comments again on Thursday, while at Dublin City University, she said that she reserves the right of “human decency” to go to the funeral of someone she knows, even as Taoiseach.

“Well look, I was at Martin McGuinness’ funeral. Not alone was I there, Bill Clinton was there, Bertie Ahern was there, I think there were Fine Gaelers there,” she said.

“So the point that I made last night is, if I were taoiseach, of course I would be aware that you represent, and you carry yourself beyond just your republican base.

“I absolutely accept and realise that, as a matter of fact, I attempt to reach out and stretch beyond our base as the leader of Sinn Féin. The office of taoiseach is different.

“I’m also an Irish republican, I’m also a human being and I also reserve the human decency right that if I know somebody, irrespective of their politics or who they are, that I go and mark their (passing).”

She added: “Funerals are human goodbyes, that’s what funerals are.

“I’ve attended funerals of former taoisigh that were not of my political (persuasion). I believe in respect for the dead.”

Asked about the Sinn Féin leader’s stance, Mr Harris said: “I thought that was disappointing.

“Look, I don’t want to get too much into a tit-for-tat on this issue, I think she said it kind of depends on her personal relationship with the person, I think is the fairest way (of taking) her comments.

“Of course when you’re the taoiseach you represent people right across this country, you represent people who are Irish, in many ways, across the world and across the island,

“I think it is very important to be always sensitive to victims and I think the idea of an Irish taoiseach turning up at an IRA funeral would cause a lot of hurt to people.

“So I’m very surprised by the comments is the truth, but I think it’s a very interesting question for her.”