Mary Lou McDonald

Two former Sinn Féin press officers provided employment references for Michael McMonagle after he had been suspended following an investigation into sexual offences involving minors. McDonald ordered an overhaul of procedures.

State of the evidence

references, McMonagle's conviction and McDonald's response documented

Legal status — source text

no personal criminal allegations against McDonald

Attribution

leadership responsibility only; McMonagle's crimes are not attributed to her

Following revelations of inappropriate messages sent by former Sinn Féin senator Niall Ó Donnghaile to a young activist, McDonald was criticised for her initial communications and incorrect information provided to the Dáil about the young person's age.

State of the evidence

messages, resignation, statements and apologies documented

Legal status — source text

PSNI: no offence; no criminal allegations against McDonald

Attribution

personal responsibility for party communications and information provided to Parliament

TD Brian Stanley left Sinn Féin following a disciplinary investigation which he described as biased and resembling a "kangaroo court". McDonald defended the process and announced that the matter had been referred to the Gardaí.

State of the evidence

resignation, internal investigation and referral to the Garda documented

Legal status — source text

no judicial findings against McDonald

Attribution

leadership responsibility for the operation of the internal procedure

Gerard Hutch's trial brought renewed attention to Jonathan Dowdall, a former Sinn Féin councillor who became a prosecution witness and was convicted of assisting a gang. He had made a personal donation to McDonald and had been photographed with party leaders.

State of the evidence

former role, donation and court testimony documented

Legal status — source text

no allegation of criminality against McDonald

Attribution

responsibility limited to her past political association with Dowdall and its repercussions

Sinn Féin's Abú canvassing database raised questions about recording voters' political preferences and access to the system.

State of the evidence

existence and general operation documented

Legal status — source text

GDPR compliance debate; no personal conviction of McDonald

Attribution

political responsibility as leader of the party using the system

McDonald attended the funeral of former IRA figure Bobby Storey, where large crowds gathered despite Covid restrictions. The incident caused considerable anger among families who had been required to limit attendance at their own funerals.

State of the evidence

attendance and large gatherings documented

Legal status — source text

no personal conviction established in the sources reviewed

Attribution

personal responsibility for attending and initially defending her participation

McDonald stated that, in the historical context, the IRA was justified in opposing the British state, while declining to justify every action taken by the organisation.

State of the evidence

radio statement documented

Legal status — source text

no legal proceedings

Attribution

personal responsibility for the wording

After Garda Commissioner Drew Harris indicated that he did not disagree with the assessment that the Provisional Army Council continued to exist and exercise oversight, McDonald stated that the IRA was gone and that Sinn Féin was led solely by the party.

State of the evidence

Garda Commissioner's statements and McDonald's response documented

Legal status — source text

no personal proceedings against McDonald

Attribution

responsibility limited to her public position