McDonald defends Sinn Fein’s child protection measures amid widespread criticism

Mary Lou McDonald has defended Sinn Fein’s handling of a series of child protection scandals involving party members.

The party has been dogged by a string of controversies in recent weeks, including the fallout around former party press officer Michael McMonagle, and revelations that former Sinn Fein senator Niall O Donnghaile resigned from the party after sending allegedly inappropriate messages to a 17-year-old and an adult.

Other political parties called on Sinn Fein to provide more clarity on these matters as the Government arranged time for statements on child protection in the Dail on Tuesday.

Fianna Fail leader and Tanaiste Micheal Martin accused Sinn Fein of putting the party first – adding that “fundamental questions” had been raised about its governance.

He said: “The party’s track record of concealment and secrecy is shocking.”

Labour leader Ivana Bacik claimed Sinn Fein had a “lack of regard for victims” and a “culture of secrecy and cover-up”.

Both Mr Bacik and Mr Martin raised the case of Mairia Cahill, a former Labour senator, who alleged she was subjected to a kangaroo court after being raped at the age of 16 by an IRA man, “which forced her to confront her abuser”.

Ms Bacik said recent revelations suggested “things have not substantially changed within Sinn Fein despite the changes in Irish society and our renewed and strengthened understanding about child protection”.

Ms Cahill was in the public gallery to hear statements on child protection in the Dail chamber.

Fine Gael Justice Minister Helen McEnteee said: “Recent revelations in relation to the handling by Sinn Fein of a very serious case of child sexual abuse is a source, I believe, of great public concern, and there remain a number of unanswered questions.”

In her speaking time, Ms McDonald said “nothing more important than protecting the safety and wellbeing of children” as she defended her party’s “robust disciplinary procedures”.

The mother-of-two told the Dail that Mr O Donnghaile was suspended from the party after sending an allegedly inappropriate text message to a 17-year-old boy who was the member of the party in September last year.

“The young man wanted this to stop and he wanted no further contact to be made to him by Niall O Donnghaile.

“On September 12, the chairperson of Belfast Sinn Fein was informed of the complaint, and so began the formal party procedure as part of the party’s inquiry.

“At the time, we were informed of a second individual receiving inappropriate text messages from Niall O Donnghaile. This person was an adult. He was advised of his right to make a formal complaint, but he chose not to.

“On September 13, in line with our child protection guidelines, given that the complainant was under the age of 18, Niall O Donnghaile was suspended from the party, and the issue was immediately referred to the PSNI and social services in the North to investigate.

Ms McDonald said the PSNI informed Sinn Fein that the young person was “content” with the actions taken by the party in response to a complaint about former senator Niall O Donnghaile.

She said no formal investigation followed and added: “There was no finding of illegality and no criminal charges were pursued.

“However, Niall O Donnghaile’s actions were not acceptable. This was made clear to Niall O Donnghaile at a meeting on October 5 (2023).”

She added: “Niall O Donnghaile stated that he would be resigning both from the Seanad and the party.”

Ms McDonald said Sinn Fein’s actions were “firstly guided by concern for the young person at the centre of this incident” as well as accountability for Mr O Donnghaile.

“He faced those consequences, ones that were proportionate to his unacceptable behaviour.”

Mr O Donnghaile, who was previously the lord mayor of Belfast, resigned from the Seanad in December citing advice of a doctor.

In a statement to the Irish News which was published on Tuesday, Mr O Donnghaile said: “I have caused great embarrassment to myself, my family, friends and former colleagues – this was never my intention.”

At the time of his resignation, Ms McDonald wished him “the very best for the future” and expressed hope that he would “overcome the health challenges” he faced.

Mary Lou McDonald said it was “fair” to question why the party did not inform the Oireachtas about the circumstances around Niall O Donnghaile’s resignation.

She said the party was worried that publicly naming him would be “dangerous to his health”.

She added that Mr O Donnghaile had a period of extended leave in summer 2021 due to “very serious mental health issues”.

“Following the complaint, we were advised that Niall O Donnghaile was again suffering from a mental health crisis and was deemed medically unfit for work by his doctor.

“We were very worried that publicly naming him would be dangerous to his health, and that is not to make an excuse for his behaviour, but we had very serious concerns for his mental health and his safety – and I still hold some of those concerns to this very day.

Meanwhile in the Northern Ireland Assembly, DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley requested that First Minister Michelle O’Neill answer questions around Mr O Donnghaile’s resignation from the party. Deputy Speaker Steve Aiken said the issue would be considered.

Separately, Ms McDonald reiterated her belief that the party “acted entirely properly” in suspending former party press officer Michael McMonagle, who was under investigation for child sex crimes.

She apologised to the British Heart Foundation for “being dragged into this controversy” after it emerged that two other party press offices provided references to McMonagle.

The Sinn Fein leader said she had initiated a “complete overhaul” of party governance procedures to correct issues and shortcomings arising from the case.

“I am determined that any grey area, any doubt, any lack of clarity that exists in any part of the management of our organisation, will be fully audited and clarified.”