Good day.
The turmoil in Sinn Féin goes on with no sign of a cease. It’s nearly inconceivable to expect a less favourable build-up to an electoral vote for any political group, given the recent loss of two TDs, a scandal involving minor sex crime allegations and the newly-revealed fact that Niall Ó Donnghaile relinquished his senator role due to improper communications with a juvenile the previous year.
The scenario surrounding ex-media representative Michael McMonagle, who admitted to minor sex crimes, sees Sinn Féin arguing they were unaware that he was provided with job references, condemning the two past officials who offered them. In relation to the resignation of Kildare South TD Patricia Ryan, the party has upheld their actions towards her. The party hints at her being disgruntled about not wanting a competitive selection event, even though she voiced worries about censorship and scrutiny.
Additionally, regarding Laois Offaly TD Brian Stanley’s resignation, the party insists it functioned according to its internal rules and processes while reviewing the allegation against him, despite his reference to a makeshift judicial process when departing the party.
Presently, the party’s reason for not making it known that Ó Donnghaile left the senatorial role due to improper texts to a juvenile revolves around concerns for his psychological wellbeing.
None of this, however, explains why Mary Lou McDonald, the party leader, felt the need to distribute a press release during the “official” revelation of his resignation last December, praising his previous work and stating he’d been tackling health issues for “the past couple of months”.
Industry insiders are directly addressing these incidents, which suggests renewed scrutiny on Sinn Féin and allegations that they possibly misguided the Oireachtas with last year’s salute to Ó Donnghaile.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin suggested that the Parliamentary Assembly may have been deceived about the real causes for the ex-senator’s retirement. Labour leader Ivana Bacik stated that Ó Donnghaile maintained his post from September to December last year despite being suspended, and insinuated that McDonald’s homage suggested his resignation was health-related.
Government officials from the ruling party have intimated their intent to maintain stringent oversight. Queries concerning possible involvement for the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission have been raised by Fine Gael representative Ciarán Cannon, while his party colleague, Colm Brophy, insists that Sinn Féin’s leaders must provide thorough responses regarding recent events.
Meanwhile, Taoiseach Simon Harris is currently in Brussels attending the inaugural summit between the European Union and the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar and Oman. This week, he is also slated to sit in on a European Council meeting where he plans to highlight the ongoing Middle Eastern crisis.
“Both EU decision-makers and influencers from the broader Middle East hold a mutual obligation to work toward ending the appalling violence we’re witnessing. I consistently emphasise that every nation and organization in the global community must leverage what they can to foster a ceasefire,” he voiced ahead of the encounter.
The Taoiseach emphasised the need for the European Council to deliver a strong, united message, continuing his appeal in collaboration with Spain’s Prime Minister Sanchez for a re-evaluation of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. This request is all the more urgent following July’s advisory judgement from the International Court of Justice regarding Israel’s unlawful occupation of Palestinian lands.
Other notable mentions:
Miriam Lord pens an article about McDonald’s enforcement of Sinn Féin’s exceptional HR processes amid arising scandals. Olivia Kelly relays how Dublin City Council has launched an inquiry against a councillor for infringing on their ethical code. Insights into the impact of the abortion controversy on the US presidential election, and previous security inquiry leader’s view on Ireland’s neutrality definition. All these comprise a segment of “Dáil Eireann’s” best reads.
The agenda for the day commences with Topical Issues at 9.10am, with private members’ matters following directly before 10am, during which time the Independent Group are set to propose a motion about the VAT rates within the hospitality industry. Noon is when the Leaders’ Queries will be taking place, in which the topics will span across policies and bills. After lunch, there will be a session for questions to the Taoiseach, coming after which will be Government Business. Both the Finance Bill’s second phase and the anticipated complete passage of the Social Welfare Bill 2024 through the Oireachtas will be discussed in that session, a move that is certain to fuel speculation surrounding the forthcoming general elections. Following that, Government Business will be tackled prior to 8pm, before the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 is examined ahead of the Dáil’s suspension around 11pm.
For Seanad Éireann, the day begins at 10.30am with commencement issues, succeeded by the business order within an hour. A motion concerning the fortification of EU citizens’ identity cards will be subsequently brought forward. The Seanad Electoral (University Members) Bill will be discussed at 12.45pm, undergoing both committee and remaining stages. Matters from private members will take the floor at 3pm, covering legislation dedicated to the protection of native Irish honeybee.
Committees will be actively examining the additional funding requirements of different departments. Included in this will be a 9.30am session by the Oireachtas Committee on Health, where Stephen Donnelly, the Minister for Health, will be heard. At 1.30pm, two sessions will take place concurrently – the Joint Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media examining the State’s approach to tackling online disinformation, encompassing social media and false news, and concurrently, Kieran Mulvey will be in conversation with the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications regarding his new role as the prospective chair of An Post.