First Minister Michelle O’Neill has responded to criticism after two former Sinn Fein press officers gave references for Michael McMonagle. McMonagle, who is a former Sinn Fein press officer himself, pleaded guilty to 14 charges of child sex abuse last month at Londonderry Crown Court. The 42-year-old of Limewood Street in Derry admitted committing the offences on various dates between May 2020 and August 2021. After his arrest, McMonagle was suspended by Sinn Fein in 2021. However, it has emerged that Seán Mag Uidhir, Sinn Fein’s longstanding chief press officer, and Caolán McGinley both wrote job references for McMonagle in an application for a role in the British Heart Foundation.