Former Sinn Féin senator Niall Ó Donnghaile reveals he is behind inappropriate text messages – The Irish News

Former Sinn Féin senator Niall Ó Donnghaile has revealed he is the party member at the center of the latest controversy to embroil the party.

In a statement to The Irish News, the former Belfast mayor confirmed he sent inappropriate messages in September last year.

It is reported that the messages were sent to a teenager and the PSNI was notified, but no formal complaint was received from anyone.

In his statement, Mr Ó Donnghaile said that, in consultation with Sinn Féin, he accepted that his conduct warranted stepping down from his Seanad role and as a party member: “This would also give me the space to focus on improving my health and wellness, issues I have been talking to my doctor about since mid-2021.”

The former senator, who resigned in December last year for health reasons, said he deeply regrets the distress caused to the recipient of the messages, for which he apologizes.

“I also accept that I have embarrassed myself, my family, friends and former colleagues – this was never my intention,” he said.

“Since resigning from political and public life and now as a private citizen almost a year ago, my main focus has been on improving my mental health and supporting a family member through a challenging period of ill health – this remains my priority and I ask that I and everyone involved are allowed to move forward, with respect for our privacy.”

Mr Ó Donnghaile said he would make no further comment.