Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald said: “There must always be accountability for wrongdoing. That is why I took decisive action when I was made aware on Wednesday 25th September 2024 that two staff members had provided job references to Michael McMonagle. Those who gave these references in this case were guilty of gross misconduct and they no longer work for the party and are no longer members of the party. Their actions are unforgivable and absolutely unacceptable to me.”

Ms McDonald said:

“I am disgusted by the crimes of Michael McMonagle who is facing the full rigours of the law. 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 following year two of his co-workers in the Assembly provided references to him. I am shocked that anyone would have given him a reference, given the serious allegations and subsequent charges that he faced. This is unforgivable and absolutely unacceptable to me. This was done without consultation with the party.

“I have 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. The General Secretary will take external professional advice in this work.

“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.

“There must always be accountability for wrongdoing. That is why when I was made aware of this issue on Wednesday 25th September 2024 decisive action was taken. Those who gave references in this case were guilty of gross misconduct, they no longer work for the party and are no longer members of the party.

“I deeply regret that the British Heart Foundation has been caught up in an issue, not of their making. 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.”