DEPUTY First Minister Martin McGuinness offered to attend the funeral of murdered prison officer Adrian Ismay today.
But his grieving family did not wish him to attend, Sinn Fein has said.
Those in attendance at the service included Secretary of State Theresa Villiers, First Minister Arlene Foster, Justice Minister David Ford, Chief Constable George Hamilton and Chairperson of the Policing Board Ann Connolly.
But no Sinn Fein representatives were present after Mr Ismay’s family asked that Mr McGuinnes not to join with other dignitaries at the funeral.
Adrian Ismay was seriously injured after a bomb exploded under his Volkswagen Transporter van as it hit a speed bump in Hillsborough Drive in east Belfast on Friday, March 4.
The 52-year-old was recovering well at home but died in hospital last Tuesday from what police described as a result of deep vein thrombosis.
The New IRA later claimed responsibility for the attack and vowed to target other members of the security forces.
Hundreds of mourners, including colleagues from the NI Prison Service gathered for his funeral today in east Belfast.
Speaking at Mr Ismay’s funeral, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland Brian Anderson, said: “In the darkest part of night – probably dressed in dark clothes, dark men did a dark, dark deed, leading to the loss of Izzy.”
A strict security presence was maintained around the church with nearby roads cordoned off and a police helicopter circling overhead during the service.
Mr Ismay’s brother-in-law, Ron Abrahams, told the congregation: “Izzy was generous with his time.
“Whether it was the scouts, St. John’s Ambulance or the Community Rescue Service – if he could help, he would.
“He never distinguished people by race, religion or colour. He expected nothing of anyone that he didn’t expect of himself.”
One man has been remanded in custody charged with the murder of father-of-three Mr Ismay.