THE PARENTS of the suspected IRA man, Mr Diarmuid O'Neill, who was shot dead by police in London during a security operation, said yesterday they did not want a paramilitary funeral for their son.
In a statement outlining their plans, Mr O'Neill's parents, Eoghan and Theresa, asked the media not to attend the "private" funeral, which will be held within the next few days near their home in Kilbrittain, Co Cork.
"The occasion is one in which our thoughts are entirely private. We would like Diarmuid's funeral to reflect our love for him and sorrow at his death. In asking for God's blessing for Diarmuid we believe that He will also understand and value Diarmuid, as do we.
"We hope that the future will hold no such ordeal for any other family and we extend our sympathy to other families who have suffered similarly in the past. We thank the many people who have given friendship to us at this time and who have expressed their deep concern about Diarmuid's death, whether or not they have known us or Diarmuid before.
"Although we would prefer a private funeral, we nevertheless welcome all men and women, as private individuals, of goodwill who might wish to join us in our prayers, they stated.
Scotland Yard sources said Mr O'Neill's younger brother Shane (23), will not be able to attend the funeral because of his bail conditions.
Mr Shane O'Neill was arrested during last Monday's security operation but was released on bail pending further police inquiries after five days of questioning. However, the family's solicitor, Ms Gareth Peirce, said she did not believe Mr O'Neill's bail condition would prevent him travelling to Ireland and attending his brother's funeral.
Although a London coroner released Diarmuid O'Neill's body to his family last Wednesday, it is understood they decided to delay his funeral to consider legal advice and to have a second, independent post mortem.
Diarmuid O'Neill (27), was killed at a guesthouse in Hammersmith after anti terrorist officers raided a number of London addresses. The circumstances of his death are being investigated by the Police Complaint's Authority.
A PCA spokesman said the investigating team had set a target date of the January 16th, 1997, to complete their report.
Four other men, who were also arrested during the raids, were remanded in custody by a London magistrate's court on Monday charged with conspiring to cause an explosion and possessing explosives.