A member of the Sinn Féin party has stepped down after allegations of sending inappropriate messages to a 17-year-old came to light. The Sinn Féin party took action in suspending the member in September 2023 while referral was made to both the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and social services. The incident was reported by the Irish Independent, which further revealed that the member ultimately left the party.
A statement by the party revealed that upon receiving a complaint about the party member’s actions on September 11, 2023, he was promptly suspended in accordance with child protection guidelines. The case was referred to PSNI and social services, with the PSNI expressing no intent to formally investigate, but showing support for the party’s swift actions and the family of the teenager involved.
This incident adds to the scrutiny on Sinn Féin’s handling of issues such as the recent controversy surrounding Michael McMonagle. In the prior month, McMonagle, a 42-year-old from Limewood Street, Derry, confessed to a series of offences, which included prompting a minor to take part in sexual conduct. His sentencing is set for November.
Although his arrest was in August 2021, Sinn Féin has insisted that upon learning of the police investigation, they promptly suspended him. His employment with Sinn Féin at the Assembly officially concluded in July 2022.
Subsequent to this, McMonagle secured a position with the British Heart Foundation (BHF), which was unaware of the pending investigation into child sex offences against him. This has led to increased pressure on Sinn Féin, particularly when it was revealed that two previous party press officers provided him with references for the BHF role in 2022.
Over a week ago, the press officers resigned in the wake of disciplinary actions initiated by Sinn Féin against them. The Committee for the Executive Office in Northern Ireland earlier this week declared their intentions to obtain legal counsel regarding the grounds on which they can request a return visit from Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill for further inquiries related to McMonagle. The PSNI’s opinion has been solicited. – PA