Michelle O’Neill is confident in her ability to maintain her position as First Minister amidst a tense assembly at Stormont. During her scrutiny committee meeting, she conveyed her opinion to MLAs about improving the Executive’s policy to better safeguard the welfare of children and the vulnerable. However, she chose not to address the concerns related to recent issues within Sinn Féin directly, and stated she would only tackle those within the scope of The Executive Office. Some MLAs were visibly upset and tried to inquire about the consequences of recent scandals.
Sinn Féin has faced backlash recently for their management of various controversies, specifically involving Michael McMonagle, a former press officer, and ex-senator Niall Ó Donnghaile. McMonagle, a 42-year-old Derry resident, admitted last month to several offenses, one of them being soliciting a minor for sexual activities. It was later revealed that two other ex-press officers had vouched for McMonagle after he was suspended from Sinn Féin due to ongoing police investigations. Their references allowed McMonagle to secure a position with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in 2022, without the charity’s knowledge of the accusations against him.
In another recent development, ex-Sinn Féin senator, Mr Ó Donnghaile, confessed to leaving the party following accusations of sending inappropriate text messages to a minor. Although the party had passed this concern to the PSNI and social services last September, there was no subsequent criminal investigation.
Further, it has come to light this week that a party member has quit Sinn Féin after confessing to a part in an event where a portrait of former DUP lord mayor, Lord Wallace Browne, was vandalised at Belfast City Hall.
Ms O’Neill faced her scrutiny committee earlier this month. Post this meeting, the committee decided to seek legal counsel considering summoning her for another round of questioning.
During her appearance before the committee this Wednesday, Ms. O’Neill, the First Minister, who claims to have sought her own legal counsel about her attendance and discussion parameters, has expressed her commitment to transparency. Emma Little-Pengelly, the Deputy First Minister, and other minor ministers, however, were absent. Ms. O’Neill reassured her representation of The Executive Office in her capacity as the First Minister and addressed her previous committee interaction where ministerial and party roles were conflated. She avowed her satisfaction in answering any significant concerns as First Minister but stressed the essentiality of adhering to the legal advice available.
Despite being probed by Committee Chair Paula Bradshaw about the Belfast City Hall incidents on Saturday, Ms. O’Neill refrained from commenting. Another inquiry from Alliance MLA Connie Egan about how recent controversies may have impacted her functionality as First Minister was curbed by Ms. O’Neill’s confidence in herself. She affirmed her capability to maintain her leadership role and her commitment to the progress achieved by the new Executive so far.
The First Minister refused to comment on party-related issues when asked by DUP MLA Brian Kingston regarding her encounter with McMonagle at the Parliamentary Building’s BHF event in February 2023, which came after McMonagle had left Sinn Féin and was currently under police scrutiny.
Ms. O’Neill emphasised her commitment to her roles and responsibilities by citing her proactive participation in answering questions in numerous platforms including media, the Assembly, and the committee. DUP MLA Harry Harvey’s query about the presence of Sinn Féin members during the attack on Lord Browne’s portrait at Belfast City Hall on Saturday was halted by Chair Bradshaw stating the necessity for questions to be related to The Executive Office.
SDLP MLA Sinead McLaughlin voiced her inability to query the First Minister despite having many questions. Independent MLA Claire Sugden, on the other hand, noted potential insufficiencies in the Executive’s safeguarding policy.
Ms O’Neill recently responded to concerns raised by other organizations expressing certainty that these concerns are valid. She acknowledged the significant tasks in front of both the local Assembly and the Executive. She recognised the need to diagnose the issues at hand and develop a solution.
TUV MLA, Timothy Gaston, enquired about the employment details, specifically the duration and job scope, of Mr McMonagle who was employed by Ms O’Neill from March to May 2020. However, Ms O’Neill declined to answer questions deemed irrelevant to the committee.
During the discussion, Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín voiced her concerns about the committee being used as a political tool, a sentiment echoed by Mr Kingston. He emphasised the committee’s key role in scrutinising matters and argued for their right to inquire about topics related to Michael McMonagle and Niall Ó Donnghaile.
Ms O’Neill was then asked about any potential missteps in her past actions. To this, she responded: “Every day provides a lesson for all of us. Reflection is key. I have been honest and clear, rectifying inaccuracies where they cropped up.”
Proceedings reached a boiling point with Ms O’Neill and Ms Ní Chuilín accusing Mr Kingston of making frivolous comments. They noted the recent interaction between DUP ministers and the Loyalist Communities Council, which has known links to loyalist paramilitary groups. Surprised by this critique, Mr Kingston questioned the credibility of the comment.
The meeting continued to spiral out of control with Mr Gaston making remarks linking the IRA army council to Sinn Féin. The chaos prompted the committee chairwoman to adjourn the meeting for five minutes. – PA.