Party leader, Mary Lou McDonald, has declared that Brian Stanley, the TD for Laois, is accountable for his wrongdoings, not Sinn Féin. She further clarified that the party has concluded its role concerning the matter.
Mary Lou McDonald explained that following a complaint of sexual harassment from a woman against Mr. Stanley, and his resulting counter-claim that €60,000 was demanded from him by her for not advancing the case, the party executed its required course of action. She stated, “Our obligation was completely fulfilled in a considerate, systematic, and equitable manner, safeguarding everyone’s privacy.”
Asserting her leadership role, she added, “Brian Stanley’s bad behaviour is to his account. I will not be responsible for that. My responsibility, as the leading figure of this party, was overseeing the investigation and inquiry into the complaint, which was duly executed.”
McDonald affirmed these remarks while announcing a new health policy titled ‘A Prescription for Change’ at a Dublin event.
She also confirmed the nomination of an alternate Sinn Féin candidate in Laois, stating, “We aim to run a powerful campaign to retain the Sinn Féin seat.” Furthermore, she disclosed that Mr. Stanley has expressed his intention to contend the election as an Independent.
At a recent lengthy press conference, Ms McDonald announced on multiple occasions that for Sinn Féin, the ongoing procedure was brought to an end. She replied to journalism reports implying a feeling of disappointment from the woman involved in the proceedings, stating no willingness to indulge in a “he said, she said” conversation. She reiterated the party strictly abided by the procedures. Ms McDonald added any further information required by An Garda Síochána would be readily provided by the party.
Ms McDonald, when queried, revealed she had no thoughts about stepping down amid the scandals and voiced contrition over the way Mr Stanley left the party. Mr Stanley tendered his resignation before the internal inquiry report was released, accusing some party members of holding a “kangaroo court”.
She expressed disappointment that someone who had been part of Sinn Féin for a length of time was no longer with them- a fact she found regrettable. McDonald stressed the need for investigation when complaints are lodged against anyone.
“It’s unfortunate that he opted to leave. That’s always regrettable, but those were choices he voluntarily made,” she mentioned.
When pressed about her issued statement following Niall Ó Donnghaile’s resignation from Seanad Éireann – which omitted mentioning the inappropriate texts he sent to a 16-year-old boy – Ms McDonald revealed that the former senator was experiencing a “mental health crisis” during that period but acknowledged the young person’s perspective was overlooked.
She voiced regret over the statement and clarified, “I do not justify his actions. (Mr Ó Donnghaile) was held accountable and faced repercussions. We were worried about his mental wellbeing and safety. With hindsight, the statement should not have been released, mainly due to the pain it inflicted on the youngster. That is my concern.”