Sinn Fein answers about references for ex-press officer Michael McMonagle 'raise more concerns' claims DUP
Sinn Fein’s comments about a former party press officer who is facing child sex abuse charges “have only served to raise more concerns”, it is claimed.
Last month, Michael McMonagle, 42, from Limewood Street, Londonderry, admitted a series of offences, including attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.
It also came to light that Sean Mag Uidhir and Caolan McGinley resigned as Sinn Fein press officers on Saturday, days after it emerged they had given references for their former colleague, McMonagle, for a job at a charity in 2022.
DUP MLA Brian Kingston posed three questions to Sinn Fein’s First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, at a Stormont committee yesterday – but claims she did not address the points he raised.
“Sinn Fein have significant questions to answer,” he told the News Letter last night.
“Comments over the last few days from both Conor Murphy and Michelle O’Neill have only served to raise even more concerns.
“The claim that Sinn Fein were prevented from informing a new employer about Mr McMonagle’s suspension have been rubbished by every credible source.
“Now Sinn Fein are asking people to believe that they didn’t notice he was present at an event attended by several of their senior representatives including Michelle O’Neill.
“The first minister may have failed to give answers at the committee meeting, but it doesn’t mean that the questions are going to go away.”
Sinn Fein was invited to respond.