Sinn Féin member resigns over claims of sending inappropriate messages to teenager – Homepage

By Cate McCurry, PA

A Sinn Féin member has resigned from the party after allegedly sending inappropriate messages to a 17-year-old, it has emerged.

The party member was suspended by Sinn Féin in September 2023 and the incident was referred to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and social services.

The member subsequently resigned from the party, as reported by the Irish Independent.

In a statement, a party spokesperson said: “Sinn Féin received a complaint on 11 September 2023 regarding messages sent by a party member to a 17-year-old member of the party.

“In accordance with the party’s child protection guidelines, the individual was suspended.

“The matter was immediately referred to the PSNI and social services.

“On September 27, the PSNI informed the party that they were not conducting a formal investigation into the matter and expressed support for the actions the party had taken, both from their perspective and that of the young person’s family.

“The individual subsequently resigned from the party.”

In a statement, a PSNI spokesperson said: “A referral was made to the Police Service of Northern Ireland by a political party in September 2023.

“Assurance assessments and collaboration with other statutory bodies were taking place at the time.

“No formal complaint has been received from anyone.”

It comes as Sinn Féin faces scrutiny over the way it handled the Michael McMonagle controversy.

Last month McMonagle, 42, of Limewood Street, Londonderry, admitted a string of offenses including attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity. He will be sentenced in November.

He was first arrested in August 2021 and Sinn Féin has said it suspended him as soon as it became aware of the police investigation.

His employment with Sinn Féin at the Assembly formally ended in July 2022.

McMonagle then went to work for the British Heart Foundation (BHF), which was unaware he was under investigation for child abuse.

Sinn Féin is under increasing pressure after it emerged two former party press officers provided McMonagle with references for the BHF job in 2022.

The press officers quit over a week ago after Sinn Féin began disciplinary proceedings against them.

Earlier this week, the Northern Ireland Executive Committee said it was seeking legal advice on what basis it could invite Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill to answer more questions about McMonagle.