Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has pledged a full apology to the teenager who received inappropriate texts from former senator Niall Ó Donnghaile. McDonald emphasized the need for the young person to feel safe within the party and condemned Ó Donnghaile’s behavior as unacceptable. She also acknowledged the error in stating the teen’s age and vowed to correct the Dáil record. Minister for Justice Helen McEntee supported the correction, highlighting Sinn Féin’s lack of suitable governance.
Deputy leader Michelle O’Neill confirmed party records indicated the teenager was 17 at the time, contradicting the teen’s claim of being 16. O’Neill expressed regret for the incident and ensured adherence to child protection protocols. However, questions remain unanswered, prompting Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin to seek clarity from Sinn Féin. Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman criticized McDonald’s handling of the situation, calling for a review of her statements regarding Ó Donnghaile’s resignation.
Despite the controversy, Sinn Féin’s internal processes and focus on safeguarding minors have come under scrutiny, prompting calls for transparency and accountability.