Sinn Féin: Brian Stanley complaints 'would have been reported,' says McDonald
McDonald: Final Responsibility Lies With Me
Photo credit: PA Media
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald asserts that the ultimate responsibility lies with her regarding the way the party dealt with Brian Stanley's resignation.
BBC News Northern Ireland journalist based in Dublin
Mary Lou McDonald stated that any legal accusations made against Brian Stanley by Sinn Féin would have been reported to the Gardaí, the Irish police.
The veteran Laois TD stepped down from Sinn Féin on Saturday evening following claims of grievances lodged against him within the party.
Sinn Féin announced that the complaint and counterclaim have been passed on to the police after finishing an internal party investigation.
On Monday, the party's leader stated that it's not her role to determine the next steps, but she acknowledged that ultimately the responsibility lies with her regarding Sinn Féin's management of the situation as the head of the party.
In an interview with the Irish broadcaster RTÉ, McDonald mentioned that the first complaint regarding Stanley came in on August 2nd.
On August 3, he was informed about the accusation and denied it.
"If the original complaint had involved a crime, it would have been reported directly to An Garda Síochána," McDonald stated.
"Regardless of the situation, it was not the case, and during the investigations, an opposing claim was also presented."
"The first stage has wrapped up; the findings were documented and shared with both sides for their feedback and to ensure everything is correct, following proper protocol," stated the leader of Sinn Féin.
Both sides were expected to reconvene this morning regarding the issue. The report has also been sent to the chair of the disciplinary committee. Additionally, the disciplinary procedures for Sinn Féin are overseen by a lawyer, ensuring a degree of separation from the party itself.
McDonald stated that after Stanley stepped down, the situation was given to the party chair, and out of an "overabundance of caution," it was reported to the police.
"I'm not qualified to determine if the complaint or the counter claim warrant a criminal investigation—that's not my role," McDonald stated.
"I feel much more content knowing that the complaint and counter-accusation are now with the police, and they can handle it as they see fit."
In a statement released by his lawyer on Monday, Stanley remarked that Sinn Féin should have reported a complaint to the police when he presented significant issues during a disciplinary panel on September 11 of this year.
Brian Stanley will be stepping down from his position as chair of the Public Affairs Committee on Monday.
Irish broadcaster RTÉ has shared that he acknowledged McDonald’s correct point that the complaint filed against him is not a criminal matter.
However, he stated that the party's leadership's assertions that his rights were safeguarded during the entire process are "completely false."
Stanley mentioned that the accusation against him was initially lodged on July 26, which marked the beginning of the nomination period for individuals interested in participating in the general election.
This is different from the date that McDonald provided, which was August 2.
"For me, this meant I had no chance of running as a Sinn Féin candidate for Laois," he stated.
The Laois TD mentioned that he informed McDonald about the complaint on July 29 and asserted that she provided "incorrect information."
"Procedures That Are Fair And Strong"
Stanley has mentioned before that he went through a process that felt like a "kangaroo court."
McDonald rejected this claim, asserting that his rights were safeguarded and mentioning that he had both a lawyer and a solicitor with him during the disciplinary panel meeting.
The team in charge of reviewing the complaint includes a lawyer, two longtime party members, and the chair of the party.
McDonald stated that this is a usual practice.
The party leader also stated that she never talked about the complaint with Stanley at any point.
She stated that the party's procedures are both "fair and strong," and they also ensure impartiality.
"I'm fully aware that when someone files a complaint, it needs to be treated with importance, handled correctly, and that everyone’s rights must be upheld and safeguarded," McDonald stated.
Regrettably, in this situation, it appears that Deputy Stanley has opted to step away from the proceedings.
Stanley is scheduled to step down from his position as chair of the Public Accounts Committee in the Oireachtas (the Irish parliament) following his resignation from Sinn Féin.
Dáil Debate On McMonagle References
Concerning claims that a party official sent inappropriate text messages to a 17-year-old in Northern Ireland, as initially reported by the Independent, McDonald stated that the matter was brought to the attention of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). He clarified that there was no investigation conducted and no charges were filed.
In the meantime, a discussion about child protection, prompted by Sinn Féin's actions, is set to occur in the Dáil, which is the lower house of the Irish parliament, on Tuesday.
A period has been allocated for all involved to talk about issues concerning two Sinn Féin press officers who provided references for their former colleague Michael McMonagle, who is under scrutiny for child sex accusations.
In September, McMonagle confessed to several crimes, one of which involved trying to provoke a child into sexual behavior.
He is scheduled to receive his sentence in the next few weeks.
Both press officers, Seán Mag Uidhir and Caolán McGinley, have stepped down from their positions.
In this regard, McDonald mentioned that she has initiated a complete revision of the party's processes.
Sinn Féin has pointed out that individuals from other political parties have provided endorsements for those facing allegations of sexual offenses, including the current Ceann Comhairle (Speaker), Seán Ó Fearghaíl.
"Errors occurred, there was serious wrongdoing, and the conduct did not meet acceptable standards," McDonald stated.
"Regulations have been enforced... I firmly believe that our rules are applicable to everyone."
"That's just how it goes. It's all part of politics."
