The recent weeks have proven to be a tumultuous period for Sinn Féin. Controversy arose when Michael McMonagle, their ex-press officer, was found guilty of criminal acts involving minors, adding to the party’s woes. An internal controversy also triggered the resignation of Kildare TD Patricia Ryan, citing imposed restrictions on her social media communications, pre-approvals for questions to the top brass at assembly sessions, and an unheeding Sinn Féin leadership.
One of Sinn Féin’s lingering issues involves party member Brian Stanley, which has brought added strain to the party. Furthermore, claims that Stanley should have informed Garda of concerns unearthed during the internal probe into allegations against him have exacerbated the situation.
Another blow came in the guise of news over the weekend that a key figure in the party resigned after reportedly sending unseemly messages to a 17-year-old party member. Sinn Féin had put this individual on hold last September, and the case was reported to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and even social services.
Adding to this was the exit of their prominent member, Brian Stanley, who was the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. Stanley resigned on Saturday, citing a bias of a “kangaroo court” by Sinn Féin upon receiving complaint against him. This is unfolding while the party braces itself for an imminent general election.
The party’s dispute relating to Stanley’s exit has intensified exponentially this week. Monday saw Sinn Féin reveal that Stanley was asked to refer his concerns to Garda in September, during the party’s exploration of accusations against him. Moreover, Sinn Féin rebutted Mr Stanley’s assertion on Tuesday that his concerns, raised during the quarrel last month, should have been flagged.
Mr Stanley mentioned that he had brought up serious issues with the investigation panel pertaining to the allegation on the 11th of September, stating that the matter should have initially been referred to the police. In the aftermath of his resignation, Sinn Féin referred the issue to the Garda, facing backlash for their delay in action.
Sinn Féin leader, Ms McDonald, was questioned about the problem during her appearance on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland on Monday. The full interview can be found in the transcript.
One of Sinn Féin’s principal troubles, related to Michael McMonagle, is expected to be a significant topic in the Dáil today, as time has been set aside for discussions on child protection.
The former press officer of the party, a 42-year old resident of Limewood Street, Derry, last month confessed to two accusations of attempting to encourage a child to participate in sexual acts and twelve charges of attempted sexual communication with a minor throughout 2020 and 2021.
After his arrest in August 2021, McMonagle was suspended from his position with Sinn Féin but by September 2022 he had assumed the role of communication manager with the British Heart Foundation charity in Belfast.
Sinn Féin has faced intense scrutiny over their management of the incident, particularly after it was revealed that employment references for McMonagle were offered by Seán Mag Uidhir, a veteran member of Sinn Féin who led the party’s Northern Ireland media team, and his associate, Caolán McGinley. Both officials have since left the party.
Ms McDonald announced last week that Sinn Féin would be challenging the Government’s approach to child protection policies during today’s debate, highlighting that esteemed members of Coalition parties had supplied character references for known sex offenders and child abusers.
The Dáil debate expected later today will potentially involve some intense confrontations.
Horgan-Jones has highlighted six unresolved queries surrounding the contentious issue involving Sinn Féin and Brian Stanley. In addition, Conor Pope has reported on a scam where criminals trick people into downloading malevolent software or provide sensitive financial information through the use of fake QR codes on parking meters. These incidents have been recorded along the east coast, from Greystones to Malahide.
Judge Mary Carolan, from the courts, shares that the approved planning for the construction of 399 apartments next to the Royal Hospital Kilmainham has been ruled as ‘unlawful’.
A Cabinet meeting is set to convene today. They will discuss proposals including the potential relocation of RTÉ offices to the GPO in an attempt to revive Dublin city centres, and the appointment of a new deputy Commissioner for Garda is also in the pipeline.
The Dáil session will begin at 2pm, featuring Leaders’ Questions, the Order of Business and the Taoiseach’s Questions. Following these, a discussion on Child Protection statements will commence from 3.50pm. Subsequently, the Social Welfare Bill 2024, which encompasses the welfare measures from Budget 2025, will be debated from 5.32pm.
Additionally, Sinn Féi seeks to bring the spotlight on disability services through a private members’ motion, and this debate is set to start at 7.29pm. Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, plans to address questions pertaining to his department come 9.31pm.
From 11.01pm, TDs will have the opportunity to discuss “Topical Issues”.
Within the committee rooms, the requirements of visually impaired primary and secondary level students will be examined by TDs and Senators at the Committee on Education from 11am. Simultaneously, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is due to be scrutinized by the Committee on Environment to ascertain the public sector’s climate action mandate. Lastly, the Committee on Housing will scrutinize the data variation between the Central Statistics Office and the Residential Tenancies Board, with representatives from both establishments. This begins from 3pm. The complete Dáil, Seanad and Committee schedules can be obtained here.