A former Sinn Féin senator and Belfast lord mayor has confirmed he sent an inappropriate text to a youth member of the party. Niall Ó Donnghaile said the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) was notified but no formal complaint was received.

It is understood that the text messages were sent by Mr Ó Donnghaile to a 17-year-old in Northern Ireland. The message is believed to have been personal in nature but not sexually explicit.

The party said when it got the complaint in September 2023, it followed its child protection policy, suspended the person who sent the message, and referred them to police and the social services. Sinn Féin said the PSNI told it the same month that it was not carrying out an investigation.

Mr Ó Donnghaile later resigned from the party. On Monday, McDonald said there was no investigation and no charge.

In his statement to the Irish News, Mr Ó Donnghaile said he accepted his behaviour warranted stepping down from his role in the Seanad and as a party member. He said it would give him “the space to focus on improving” his health and well-being. He said these are issues he has been dealing with his doctor on since mid-2021.

In December 2023, Sinn Féin announced that Mr Ó Donnghaile had resigned from the Seanad for health reasons. In a statement at the time, he said he had been unable to attend the Seanad since the summer recess “on the advice of my doctor”. McDonald also issued a statement at the time wishing Mr Ó Donnghaile well and thanking him for his service to the party.

Party president Mary Lou McDonald speaks after the resignation of the high-profile Irish politician.

She has also revealed that a second individual also came forward with details of “inappropriate messages.” She said Ó Donnghaile’s actions were “not acceptable” and that at a meeting on October 5th which was attended by the party chair, chief whip and chairperson in Belfast, he said he would resign.

She says Sinn Féin received legal advice against naming Mr Ó Donnghaile. She said it was a “fair question” to ask why Sinn Féin did not divulge what had happened with him. She said the party was advised he was suffering from a “mental health crisis” and that naming him would be dangerous for his health.

“We had serious concerns for his mental health and his safety” last December, she said. She wished him and his family well and acknowledged his work in the past.

“He was held to account as a result of the procedures in our party. The matter was referred to the PSNI for criminal investigation and the social services as the direct result of the procedures of our party. This party has impacted on then young person receiving this inappropriate and unwanted messages.”

Sinn Féin's Handling of Child Protection Issues Under Scrutiny

The latest revelation comes amid a growing controversy surrounding Sinn Féin’s handling of child safeguarding issues. The party is facing intense scrutiny over its handling of a separate case involving former press officer Michael McMonagle, who admitted child sex offences. The party has been criticised after it emerged that two Sinn Féin press officers gave references for their former colleague for a job with a charity.

In September, McMonagle admitted to a series of offences, including attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity. He is due to be sentenced in the coming weeks. Both press officers, Seán Mag Uidhir and Caolán McGinley, have since resigned. On this, McDonald said she has instigated an overhaul of procedures in the party.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald is on her feet in the Dáil chamber now. She said she believes there should be “real consequences for wrongdoing.” She said Sinn Féin’s approach to child protection is “guided by the welfare of children” and “governed by robust disciplinary procedures.” She said Michael McMonagle’s action “were despicable, disgusting and criminal” and “his victims will see him punished for what he has done.” She said that Sinn Féin did not know, but learned last month, that two of McMonagle’s colleagues had provided employment references. “They didn’t have the authority to give these references, or the permission of the party”. She said she could not understand why “any rational, decent person” would give such a reference. She said it was “unforgivable.”

The Fallout of the McMonagle Case

The McMonagle case has sparked outrage and calls for accountability from both within and outside the party. Critics have accused Sinn Féin of a lack of transparency and a failure to adequately protect children. The party has been under pressure to explain why it did not disclose the McMonagle case and to clarify its internal procedures for handling child safeguarding issues.

The Implications for Sinn Féin

The controversy surrounding the Ó Donnghaile and McMonagle cases has damaged Sinn Féin's reputation and has raised serious questions about its commitment to child protection. The party's handling of these cases has been widely criticized, and it remains to be seen whether Sinn Féin can restore public trust. The controversy also comes at a critical time for Sinn Féin, as the party seeks to make gains in the upcoming general election. The party's ability to regain public trust will be crucial to its electoral success.

The controversy has also highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in political parties, especially when it comes to child protection issues. It is imperative that political parties have clear and robust procedures in place for dealing with child safeguarding issues. These procedures should be transparent and accountable to ensure that children are protected from harm.

The controversy also raises broader questions about the culture of political parties in Ireland. It is important to examine the structures and procedures of all political parties to ensure that they have appropriate mechanisms in place to deal with child safeguarding issues.

The recent scandals have also highlighted the importance of mental health and well-being in public life. In the case of Niall Ó Donnghaile, his mental health was cited as a reason for his resignation from the Seanad. It is important to acknowledge the challenges that politicians face, and to create a more supportive environment for those who are struggling with mental health issues.

A Call for Reform

The Ó Donnghaile and McMonagle cases have underscored the need for reform in how political parties handle child safeguarding issues. It is essential that parties have clear and transparent procedures in place for reporting and investigating allegations of abuse. There is also a need for greater transparency and accountability in how parties handle these cases.

The controversy also raises broader questions about the culture of political parties in Ireland. It is important to examine the structures and procedures of all political parties to ensure that they have appropriate mechanisms in place to deal with child safeguarding issues.

The recent scandals have also highlighted the importance of mental health and well-being in public life. In the case of Niall Ó Donnghaile, his mental health was cited as a reason for his resignation from the Seanad. It is important to acknowledge the challenges that politicians face, and to create a more supportive environment for those who are struggling with mental health issues.

It remains to be seen how Sinn Féin will respond to these controversies and whether it can regain public trust. The party's actions in the coming weeks and months will be closely watched by the Irish public.