Sinn Fein Vice President Apologizes After References Provided for Ex-Employee Facing Child Sex Offence Charges

Sinn Fein's deputy leader expresses regret after endorsements provided for former worker facing child sex crime investigations

Michelle O'Neill voiced her "outrage and revulsion" upon learning that party spokespersons had issued job references for 42-year-old Michael McMonagle, who was applying for a position at the British Heart Foundation.

Journalist Niamhie Lynch (@niamhielynch

Saturday, October 5, 2024, 7:

Northern Ireland's premier, Michelle O'Neill, has issued an apology following an incident in which two officials from Sinn Fein supplied references to the British Heart Foundation (BHF) for an ex-employee who was being investigated for child sex offenses.

Ms. O'Neill, serving as the vice president of the party, expressed her deep frustration and outrage over the fact that the media representatives had supplied job references for 42-year-old Michael McMonagle to secure a position at the charity.

Last month, McMonagle, a resident of Limewood Street in Derry, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, one of which was attempting to persuade a child to participate in sexual activities.

McMonagle was initially taken into custody in August 2021, and Sinn Fein promptly suspended him upon learning of the ongoing police inquiry. He was officially let go from the party in June 2022, coinciding with the conclusion of his employment contract.

He began his employment with the BHF in September 2022.

Ms. O'Neill announced that the two press officers have ceased their employment with the party and are no longer affiliated as members.

She disclosed that following media reports in August 2023 about charges against McMonagle, the BHF reached out to the former HR manager of Sinn Fein to confirm the identity and email address of the senior press officer who had issued the reference.

The HR manager complied; however, Ms. O'Neill indicated that she, nor the leadership of Sinn Fein, were made aware of the contact, describing it as "a serious oversight."

Ms. O'Neill stated that she was informed about his suspension and subsequently had no more interactions with him.

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In her remarks on Saturday, she expressed being "completely shocked and dismayed" by the comments made by the media representatives.

"She stated that the references were provided without the party's knowledge or approval. At no point would the party offer any kind of reference, whether for employment or other purposes, for Michael McMonagle."

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"Michael McMonagle's behavior is completely indefensible, and he is facing full legal consequences for his actions. His offenses have caused considerable damage to his innocent victims. Nothing is more despicable than harming a child."

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On Saturday, the BHF assured that it had fulfilled "all required legal and ethical obligations" during the recruitment process.

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