The claim made by Brian Stanley, former TD from Laois-Offaly, that Sinn Féin should have reported specific concerns that he voiced to the Garda during an investigation into a complaint against him, has met with a firm response from the party. They counter that they had advised him in September to take his apprehensions to the Garda himself. This disagreement, expected to be a focal point of discussions on Tuesday, has heightened tensions between Sinn Féin and its erstwhile member. Mr. Stanley opted for his Sinn Féin membership termination on Saturday. His decision was sparked by what he deemed a “kangaroo court” initiated by the party, following complaints filed against him in July.
During the complaint’s investigation, on the September 11, Mr. Stanley intimated to the investigation panel that there were “serious matters”, undermining the Sinn Féin’s role in failing to inform the Garda. The resignation of Mr. Stanley was soon followed by a referral of the issue to the Garda by Sinn Féin, inviting criticism for their late action.
There’s indistinctness in the Garda about the mode and pathway used by Sinn Féin for their referral, with efforts by the force on Monday to track it. It is indicated by a source that the referral wasn’t lodged in Dublin or at the Garda headquarters. The Garda clarified, without specific reference, that third party referrals are scrutinised to check if they reach the requirement for a potential criminal offence, and don’t instantly trigger a criminal investigation.
The complaint against Stanley, and numerous other political uproars involving Sinn Féin in the last two weeks, is expected to be on Dáil’s agenda for discussion about child protection on Tuesday. In an evening statement on Monday, Sinn Féin mentioned that “a number of issues of concern were raised including one by Brian Stanley” in its course of inquiry.
The party stated that he was suggested to report the matter to the Gardaí, but he opted not to do so. He had his barrister and solicitor by his side and was properly informed of his rights and entitlements. On Monday evening, Mr Stanley and his legal team were reached for a comment on the Sinn Féin statement. For the first time, the gender of the person who lodged the complaint was disclosed as a woman by the party in the statement. The party also clarified the exact sequence of when it received the complaint. Earlier in the day, Mr Stanley contradicted Ms McDonald’s claim that it was received in early August, pointing out that it was first made on July 26th.
Sinn Féin’s most recent crisis comes at the worst possible time, proving to be a significant setback for the party. Sinn Féin mentioned on Monday night that the first interaction with the complainant took place on July 26th, and a full statement was received on August 2nd. After the preliminary phase of the investigation and report was completed and additional legal advice was sought, the party decided to refer the complaint and the counterclaim to the Garda. The party then stated that it is now in the hands of the Gardaí to determine whether any of the issues they raised necessitate further investigation.
Mr Stanley, who is 66 years old, was first elected to the Dáil for Laois in 2011 and was the first Sinn Féin TD to become chair of the PAC when he was appointed in 2020. In 2020, he garnered controversy for a tweet in relation to the Narrow Water ambush in Co Down in which 18 soldiers were killed by the IRA in 1979, and he had to dismiss allegations of homophobia over a tweet sent at the time Mr Varadkar became Fine Gael leader. He subsequently apologised for the tweet. It is anticipated that Sinn Féin will swiftly appoint a successor to the chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). As he is now becoming an Independent TD, Mr Stanley is to lose his chairmanship of the PAC.
Committee chairpersons are selected by Dáil Éireann utilising the d’Hondt method, which ensures that the distribution of committee chairs mirrors each party’s representation in the Dáil Chamber proportionally. There have been talks around Sinn Féin considering a substitute chairperson. However, both Ciarán Cannon of Fine Gael and James O’Connor from Fianna Fáil made it clear they will not collaborate with a fresh Sinn Féin chair as long as there are unresolved controversies associated with the party.