Mystery surrounds role of ex-Sinn Féin HR official in Michael McMonagle controversy
There are questions regarding the involvement of a former human resource manager at Sinn Féin, who did not inform the party's leaders about two references regarding Michael McMonagle, a convicted child sex offender.
The role of the ex-official in the developing child sex abuse scandal came to light after Michelle O’Neill, the leader of Sinn Féin in Stormont, shared a statement on X on Saturday.
The First Minister's remarks are the most recent development following the resignation of two party press officers. It came to light that they provided McMonagle with job references for a position at the British Heart Foundation three months after he was dismissed while being investigated by the police.
Recently, Sinn Féin has faced criticism for not informing the BHF that McMonagle was believed to be a suspected child sex offender.
Last month, McMonagle confessed to several crimes, including trying to encourage a child to take part in sexual activities.
Seán Mag Uidhir and Caolán McGinley had to resign after it was revealed that they supported their former colleague from the press office for a new communications position at the reputable BHF charity.
Last week, Stormont minister Conor Murphy stated that the BHF should have conducted proper background checks before hiring McMonagle.
In reaction, Fearghal McKinney, the head of the charity in Belfast, explained that McMonagle's position did not necessitate any safeguarding evaluations.
In her announcement on Saturday, Ms. O’Neill outlined a sequence of events.
Expressing strong disapproval of McMonagle's behavior, she described it as “completely unacceptable” and stated that she was “truly shocked and dismayed” that references were subsequently given.
She stated that the references were provided without the party's awareness or permission and that there was absolutely no situation in which it would have issued one for McMonagle.
Ms. O'Neill stated that the behavior of the two press officers amounted to serious misconduct, which would lead to their termination.
The statements from high-ranking Sinn Féin members regarding what they were aware of or unaware about McMonagle, including Ms. O’Neill, have become a significant point of interest.
Last week, Ms. O'Neill mentioned that she did not know McMonagle was at an event in Stormont in February 2023 that supported Dáithí Mac Gabhann, despite the fact that a photo showed her standing only a short distance away from her former party associate.
In her statement over the weekend, she reiterated that she "didn't know that Michael McMonagle was present at this event," and emphasized that she "was unaware he had secured a job with the British Heart Foundation."
She mentioned that she learned last Thursday that back in August 2023, after news reports surfaced regarding the allegations against McMonagle, the BHF reached out to Sinn Féin’s "former" HR Manager to confirm both the email address and identity of the senior press officer who had given a reference the year prior, and the HR Manager complied with this request.
The leader of Sinn Féin stated that neither she nor the party’s top officials were informed about the contact at the time, calling it a significant oversight.
The Irish News asked Sinn Féin several questions regarding the unnamed former HR official, including whether this “significant oversight” was considered a form of “serious misbehavior.”
The party was also inquired about whether the official faced any consequences and if they continue to work for Sinn Féin in a different capacity.
Sinn Féin did not reply on Sunday.
In the meantime, Claire Hanna, the newly appointed leader of the SDLP, stated that Sinn Féin has not addressed the controversy in an acceptable manner.
"We haven't received a straightforward timeline from Sinn Féin regarding what information they had and when they received it, especially regarding what actions they took to protect children. It's important to remember the focus of this issue," she stated.
It's worth mentioning that a well-respected charity faced criticism last week.
"I believe it’s fitting that they’ve been given the opportunity and the freedom to outline the actions they’ve taken, which I find to be completely responsible."
The leader of the SDLP stated that after this week's executive committee meeting, she feels that “thorough questioning didn’t take place at all.”
"I believe not all the questions were answered, and I feel that the assembly's floor should increasingly be the place for party-related discussions. I think that would be suitable," she shared with the BBC.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson expressed that he feels Sinn Féin has not given adequate explanations for their failure to inform the BHF.
"I believe it's obvious that, from the very beginning, they attempted to suppress the narrative," he stated.
I've noticed that in recent days, new questions have come up, and the answers provided are leaving many people unsatisfied.
When it comes to protecting children and ensuring their safety, it's incredibly vital.
"Therefore, any remaining questions need to be addressed thoroughly and satisfactorily."
Jim Allister, the MP for North Antrim, remarked: “Michelle O’Neill is continuing to underestimate the public's intelligence. She wants us to believe that, as the leader of the most dominant and centralized party in Northern Ireland, she was completely unaware of the praise that her senior staff wrote in favor of McMonagle, didn’t know that the British Heart Foundation had communicated with Sinn Féin back in August 2023, and didn’t even notice McMonagle standing just a few feet away from her. It’s hard to accept that she has no idea how all of this unfolded.”
