Sinn Féin's McMonagle Employed Amid Controversy

Michael McMonagle, a former Sinn Féin press officer who admitted to child sex offences, was directly employed by Michelle O’Neill during his time at the Northern Ireland Assembly. He was paid from O’Neill’s staffing allowance between March and May 2020 while she served as deputy First Minister. Following his arrest in August 2021 and subsequent suspension by Sinn Féin, McMonagle secured a position with the British Heart Foundation, which was unaware of his ongoing investigation. The party is facing scrutiny as two former press officers provided references for him, leading to their resignation after disciplinary action was initiated. An urgent oral question regarding this issue has been scheduled for O’Neill in the Assembly. Sinn Féin has acknowledged that the BHF reached out to them regarding the references after media reports surfaced about McMonagle's charges.