First Minister of Stormont, Michelle O’Neill, is expected to appear before the Northern Ireland Assembly this upcoming Monday. The appearance is sparked to offer explanations regarding a previous worker of hers who has been found guilty of child sexual abuse charges. Questions have arisen surrounding the employment status of Michael McMonagle, specifically if he was directly employed by O’Neill or by Sinn Féin while he was serving as a party press officer.
The request for clarification was made by Jonathan Buckley, a DUP MLA, who wanted to establish which members of Sinn Féin had employed McMonagle and if Michelle O’Neill was one of them. Another point of interest is precisely when Sinn Féin informed the Assembly of McMonagle’s situation and cancelled his pass to Stormont. Inquiries were also made if the Assembly’s safeguarding procedures were violated. The Speaker, Edwin Poots, has confirmed a priority question for O’Neill related to these matters, which is scheduled for Monday afternoon in the Assembly.
Further probing awaits Sinn Féin following revelations that two former press officers from the party offered references for McMonagle in 2022, for a role at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), after he was released from the party subsequent to his arrest in 2021. O’Neill stated that these officers are now no longer party members or employed, and she extended her apologies for any trauma or pain triggered by their actions.
Concerns of possible inconsistencies have since arisen concerning who in the party was aware of the references for McMonagle and why the BHF was not informed of his ongoing police investigation. McMonagle, a 42-year-old from Limewood Street, Derry, pleaded guilty last month to various offences, including trying to persuade a minor to participate in sexual activity.
Fearghal McKinney, the BHF’s Northern Ireland chief, shared his disappointment over the reputational damage the charity took due to this incident. He voiced further disappointment when their due diligence was called into question. After interacting with O’Neill, he mentioned her regret over remarks made previously regarding the necessity for thorough due diligence from employers upon hiring staff. He stated to the BBC that the situation caused significant tension and worry among their team and loyal supporters.
It was evident that when remarks were made regarding due diligence, there was only one other establishment that had retained his services since his tenure at Sinn Féin, thus inevitably casting a reflection on us. He stated that any harm to the charity could risk overshadowing their commendable deeds.
He continued, explaining that when there was a tarnishing of their reputation, including further harm which they perceived to be due to the public comments made, they felt compelled to rectify the matter and ensure that the truth was relayed correctly.
He expressed their satisfaction in having gone to great lengths to ensure the safety of their donors, employees, and the general public associated with them. Furthermore, he underlined that such is the standard upheld by the British Heart Foundation. – PA.