Mary Lou McDonald says Brian Stanley controversy involves 'very, very, serious' allegations
In a statement in the Dáil made under privilege, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said that a complaint to the party about Laois-Offaly TD Brian Stanley contains “very, very, serious” allegations.
by Louise Burne · Irish MirrorThe complainant at the centre of the Brian Stanley controversy was left "traumatised" by the TD's "personal behaviour", the Dáil heard.
In a statement in the Dáil made under privilege, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said that a complaint to the party about Laois-Offaly TD Brian Stanley contains “very, very, serious” allegations.
However, she once again failed to divulge the nature of the complaint.
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Mr Stanley resigned from Sinn Féin on Saturday as he suggested he was subjected to a party inquiry that was akin to a “kangaroo court”.
Sinn Féin confirmed on Sunday that the matter, which contains both an allegation against Mr Stanley and a counter-allegation, has been referred to the Gardaí.
Ms McDonald told the Dáil that the circumstances surrounding Mr Stanley's resignation are “very, very serious” and that was first contacted on July 26 by the complainant. The party received a formal complaint against Deputy Stanley on August 2.
She confirmed the complaint relates to an incident that took place in October 2023.
“The complaint relates to an incident that took place in October 2023 and relates to Deputy Stanley's personal behaviour, leaving the complainant, in her words, traumatised and distressed,” Ms McDonald said.
“In the course of the inquiry into the complaint against Deputy Stanley, he raised a counter allegation against the complainant and a very serious one.
“The allegation caused deep concern and Deputy Stanley was advised that he should go to the Gardaí. He chose not to.”
Mr Stanley’s counter-allegation also dates back to October 2023.
Sinn Féin brought material, including text messages between Mr Stanley and the complainant, to Kevin Street Garda Station at 4pm on Sunday evening.
Despite initial reports suggesting that the material could not be found, the Irish Mirror understands that the Gardaí are in possession of the files passed over by Gardaí and will assess what sort of investigation needs to take place.
A Garda spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána does not comment on named individuals and/or organisations.
“In general and without commenting on any specific matter, third-party referrals to An Garda Síochána are initially examined to determine whether they meet the threshold for a potential criminal offence. They are not automatically subject to criminal investigation.”
Ms McDonald did not give in to calls from both the Government and the opposition to detail the nature of the allegation and counter-allegation in the Stanley case.
She also did not answer questions posed by Tánaiste Micheál Martin about why the party did not go to Gardaí in August when the initial complaint was received.
Mr Stanley issued a statement through his solicitor on Monday rejecting Sinn Féin’s assertion that his rights were protected throughout the process, as he accused the party of “character assassination”.
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