After an investigation into allegations against Brian Stanley TD led to his resignation, it was revealed on Sunday afternoon that the case had been passed on to the authorities. This action was enacted in an atmosphere of extreme caution, according to Mary Lou McDonald, leader of Sinn Féin.
Although unable to comment directly on the allegations against Mr Stanley, Ms McDonald clarified that if the charges borne out of the party’s inquiry were of a criminal nature they would have been given over to the police right away, and the party would have distanced itself from the case.
Post receiving a complaint about Mr Stanley, the investigation appears to have determined he did violate Sinn Féin’s code of ethics, leading to a severe misconduct finding against him.
McDonald, who serves as TD for Dublin Central, divulged that she received a personal briefing about the nature of the allegation after Stanley’s decision to leave the party over the weekend. She was also part of the group deciding to refer the case to An Garda Síochána on Sunday afternoon.
The investigation began in response to a complaint lodged against Stanley by a longstanding party member on August 2nd. Following the accusation, a panel was formed to carry out disciplinary procedures; this panel included a party-affiliated barrister and two high-ranking party members, one from the North and the other from the South of Ireland. McDonald highlighted that a counterclaim surfaced after the original complaint, with a preliminary report shared with both parties in early October. The process, however, was put on hold when Stanley departed from the party – a decision that was “his doing, not mine”, McDonald noted.
In a cautious move, a referral was made to An Garda Síochána due to dissatisfaction with the serious allegations and countercharges unfolding within the party, according to Ms McDonald. While acknowledging she was not aware if the complainant had yet approached the gardaí, McDonald emphasised their complete right to do so, should they choose.
As the leader of Sinn Féin, McDonald clarified that she could not confirm if the accusations warranted a criminal investigation. Despite the controversy, McDonald reaffirmed her party’s robustness and ability to govern, assuring that it had mechanisms in place to ensure accountability and integrity.
Drawing on personal experience, McDonald expressed her belief that accountability in Irish public and political life had been significantly lacking. In her party, she maintained, there is a rigorous application of rules and a respectful process protecting everyone’s rights. However, she warned that any unacceptable behaviour or misconduct would result in consequences.
Addressing her leadership status, McDonald confidently declared her position at the forefront of the party, stating that she would not be influenced by adversity. Her sentiments of pride in her party and colleagues were evident. She further added that any behavioural issues, complaints, or shortcomings would be handled in line with established rules and procedures.
She asserted that her, and the collective Sinn Féin leadership’s mode of operation are synonymous with accountability. McDonald declared herself the head of Sinn Féin, responsible for its actions and for “keeping it real.”
The surprising resignation of Mr Stanley, one of the party’s most visible TDs and the former chairman of the influential Public Accounts Committee, on Saturday evening caused a stir within and outside Sinn Féin. Known for his role during the committee’s investigation into the RTÉ scandal last year, it was reported that Sinn Féin is seeking his immediate replacement as chairman.
Stanley’s resignation note displayed criticism towards the inquiry process, stating that extreme measures had been taken by a group within the party to tarnish his reputation and tarnished his character.
Recently, I was summoned to an internal party ‘investigation’ following a ‘complaint’. Based on the experience and my legal team’s hard work, I can unequivocally state that this inquiry failed to uphold objectivity, glaring flaws were present, and there was a significant lack of fairness.
The ‘probe’ was devoid of any sliver of credibility, largely due to a stark misuse of the process involved. The inquiry appeared eerily similar to a form of kangaroo court. The legal exploration of this issue will persist.
“For four decades, I’ve devoted myself to Sinn Féin’s service. I look forward to continuing my work independently as a republican TD in serving my constituents, who have consistently treated me with fairness and respect,” proclaimed Mr Stanley.