Complaint that led to Sinn Féin TD resignation referred to gardaí, says McDonald

Brian Stanley sensationally quit the party yesterday after describing an internal inquiry launched on foot of a complaint against him as a "kangaroo court"

The complaint at the centre of the controversy that led to the sensational resignation of Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley has been referred to gardaí, party leader Mary Lou McDonald has said.

Mr Stanley, who is the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, announced yesterday that he was quitting the party and would contest the next election as a “Republican” candidate.

He resigned after being brought before an internal party inquiry in relation to a complaint made against him. He described the process as a “kangaroo court”, and claimed that a “certain clique” in Sinn Féin was trying to damage his reputation.

However, Ms McDonald said today that a complaint against Mr Stanley had been made at the end of July by a “longstanding member” of Sinn Féin, and this was investigated in accordance with internal procedures.

READ MORE: Brian Stanley blasts "certain clique" in Sinn Féin as he sensationally resigns from the party

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“Deputy Stanley’s rights were protected throughout this process. He had, as was his right, a solicitor and a barrister with him at the meeting with the disciplinary panel.

“A preliminary report was furnished to both individuals last week and they were given seven days to respond. At the same time, outside legal advice was sought by the party,” she said.

“The internal process has now been suspended and the issue has been passed to An Garda Síochána. Brian Stanley and the other party have been informed of this. We will not ignore or hide away from difficult issues when they arise,” added Ms McDonald.

Mr Stanley had announced his resignation yesterday, stating: “After 40 years of service to Sinn Féin, I will now continue working as an Independent Republican TD on behalf of constituents, who have always treated me in a fair and respectful manner.

“In recent months a certain clique within the party has gone to extreme lengths to damage my reputation and character. No efforts have been spared by them in this regard. On foot of a ‘complaint,’ I was recently brought before an internal party ‘inquiry’.

“Given what has transpired and the work of my legal team, what is very clear is this process lacked objectivity, was seriously flawed and was devoid of impartiality.”

The TD lashed out at the party, saying the inquiry lacked “any shred of credibility”.

He added: “Not least due to a significant abuse of process. In many ways, it resembled a type of kangaroo court. Legal examination of this matter will continue.

“Considering what I have experienced and how Sinn Féin has dealt with this and other matters across the wider party in recent months, I can no longer have confidence in it.”

Caroline Dwane-Stanley, Mr Stanley’s wife, remains a Sinn Féin councillor in the Portlaoise Municipal District.

Following his resignation, Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan has urged Mr Stanley to reveal the complaint that led to the internal party investigation.

Speaking on Newstalk today, she said: “Brian could end all of this today, and actually could tell people what he was being investigated for if he felt so hard done by in terms of that process. He's throwing out accusations, but not giving any substance as to what the nature of those accusations are so that's, I suppose, very unfair."

His departure is the latest blow to Mary Lou McDonald’s party.

Kildare TD Patricia Ryan announced last week that she was also resigning from the party. The politician said she felt she wasn’t being listened to within the party, and she claimed members’ questions for Ms McDonald were “vetted”.

Since 2018, five TDs have left Sinn Féin, including Carol Nolan, Peadar Tóibín and Violet Anne Wynne.

The party has been embroiled in controversy in recent weeks. Ms McDonald and Northern Ireland first minister Michelle O’Neill apologised after two party press officers - who have since resigned - gave work references for a former employee who was under investigation for child sex offences.

Former press officer Michael McMonagle was suspended from the party and was later convicted of child sex offences.

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