Mary Lou McDonald, leader of Sinn Féin, has demanded a comprehensive restructuring of governance procedures within her party. This follows the resignation of two former press officers who endorsed their previous colleague, Michael McMonagle, found guilty of child sex crimes.
Growing criticism has been directed towards Ms. McDonald to tackle questions related to the ongoing scandal after it was revealed that Seán Mag Uidhir, a prominent and long-serving member of Sinn Féin overseeing its media operation in the North, and his fellow worker, Caolán McGinley departed the party after the disclosure of giving references for McMonagle.
In recent months, 42-year-old McMonagle from Limewood Street, Derry, admitted to incitement of a minor to participate in sexual activity and twelve instances of attempted sexual correspondence with an underage individual, all observed between 2020-21. His sentencing is anticipated to take place next month.
McMonagle came under suspension from his press officer role at Sinn Féin following his detainment in August 2021. Shortly after, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) charity in Belfast introduced him as the communications manager in September 2022.
Following an extended period of investigation into the matter, Ms. McDonald issued an official statement condemning former Sinn Féin members’ behaviour and assuring a thorough reassessment of the internal governance structure within Sinn Féin.
She emphasised the necessity for responsibility in any misconduct and hence her swift action on being informed on 25th September 2024, regarding two employees providing references for Michael McMonagle. She further added that the individuals who provided the references faced severe consequences and were no longer connected to the party in employment or membership.
The party’s leader stated she had instructed the forthcoming general secretary to launch an immediate comprehensive review of governance procedures.
To avoid recurrence, Ms. McDonald asserted the need for taking strong actions. The general secretary has been advised to seek external expert recommendations to assist this procedure.
During the weekend, it was revealed that a high-ranking HR manager from Sinn Féin in North Ireland was informed last year in August about citations by the British Heart Foundation. Regrettably, the manager neglected to notify Sinn Féin’s First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, and the party’s top brass of the communication, a fact that O’Neill has conceded to be a grave oversight.
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In response to numerous pressing enquiries about the incident that were brought up at Stormont Assembly the previous day, Ms. O’Neill stated that the HR manager no longer worked for the party but remained a member.
Matthew O’Toole, the SDLP MLA, and Stormont’s opposition leader, stated that this surprising situation raises additional queries. “It’s incredibly peculiar that the individual retains membership with Sinn Féin, given that the other two members who gave references for McMonagle have had their membership terminated”, he commented. “From what we learnt today, this individual was not simply aware of McMonagle’s detainment but was included in the penal process that resulted in his 2021 suspension. We are unaware of the person’s identity, and it’s troubling that we don’t have knowledge of their departure circumstances”, he continued. Mr. O’Toole appreciated Michelle O’Neill answering some questions today but stressed there remain a lot of unanswered inquiries.
As per Ms. O’Neill, while addressing the Assembly, she expressed her profound regret for the tarnish brought to the BHF’s reputation.
She strongly emphasised her commitment to child safety, assuring it’s of highest concern to her and she pledged to spare no effort to prevent a recurrence of this type of situation.
Ms. McDonald also promised to establish clear protocols to avoid any ambiguity whenever a staff member is suspended or terminates their employment with Sinn Féin. It is to ensure there are no future discrepancies when returning work passes and unequivocally establish that employees cannot provide references.
State Ministers Jennifer Carroll MacNeill of Fine Gael, responsible for EU Affairs, and Anne Rabbitte of Fianna Fáil, overseeing Disabilities, have requested Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl to suspend usual Dáil operations. They’ve made this request to permit Ms McDonald to offer a statement concerning the current controversy. Both ministers have framed it as vital for Ms McDonald to provide Dáil with an update due to the gravity of public field child protection issues disclosed in their letter to Mr Ó Fearghaíl.