Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said she took “decisive action” following revelations that two former press officers gave references to a former employee under investigation for child sex offences.
Michael McMonagle, aged 42, from Limewood St, Derry, last week pleaded guilty to two charges of attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and 12 counts of attempted sexual communication with a child between 2020 and 2021.
While Mr McMonagle’s employment with Sinn Féin was suspended and then terminated after his arrest in 2021, he received references from two former colleagues for a job with the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
The British Heart Foundation was not aware of the investigation into McMonagle during his time employed by the charity.
Ms McDonald apologised for the distress caused by the controversy, saying she was committed to “ensuring that an incident like this is never repeated again”.
It is Ms McDonald’s first statement on the controversy since the news broke last Monday, with first minister Michelle O’Neill having previously apologised over the matter.
“I am disgusted by the crimes of Michael McMonagle, who is facing the full rigours of the law,” Ms McDonald said.
“He was immediately suspended from the party and his employment when he was questioned by the PSNI in 2021, as required by our child protection and HR procedures.”
The Sinn Féin leader said she was made aware of the references provided to McMonagle by the two former press officers — Seán Mag Uidhir and Caolán McGinley — on September 25 last.
Ms McDonald said they were “guilty of gross misconduct” and are no longer either employed or members of the party. The two press officers resigned on September 28.
“Their actions are unforgivable and absolutely unacceptable to me,” Ms McDonald said, adding it was done without consultation with the wider party.
“They do incredibly important work and I look forward to continuing our work with them now and in the future.
“I apologise for the distress that has been caused by these events. I am committed to ensuring that an incident like this is never repeated again.”
Ms McDonald said she has asked the incoming general secretary to “immediately initiate a complete overhaul of governance procedures within the party”.
“We will do everything necessary to ensure that an incident like this never arises again,” she said.
“I will ensure that there are clear processes so that there are no grey areas whatsoever where an individual has been suspended or ends their employment with Sinn Féin, to ensure that there are no future issues in relation to handing back work passes and to make absolutely clear that references cannot be provided by individual members of staff.”
Ms McDonald had faced mounting pressure to address the controversy, with Taoiseach Simon Harris on Sunday challenging her to respond.
