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16/10/2024
UUP Calls For 'Total Clarity' From SF Following Latest Controversy
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has called on Sinn Féin to provide "total clarity" to the Assembly following the latest controversy surrounding Niall Ó Donnghaile.
The former Belfast Lord Mayor, resigned from the Seanad in December last year for health reason. However, it has now been revealed that Ó Donnghaile had been suspended from the party months before for "sending inappropriate texts to a teenager".
According to reports, police and social services investigated Mr Ó Donnghaile and found no illegality and no criminal charges were brought.
Sinn Féin are now facing questions over why they did not reveal this information about Ó Donnghaile at the time.
UUP Deputy Leader, Robbie Butler MLA, said: "This latest set of revelations only enhance the importance of getting answers to the many unanswered questions facing Sinn Fein.
"At this point It is inconceivable not to expect the First Minister to address the Assembly to provide the clarity that has been, so far, missing.
"It is particularly important that any such engagement from the First Minister MUST include a statement that identifies how many additional cases the party are aware of that involve, potential disciplinary action due to potential criminal activity or child or vulnerable person safeguarding issues.
"For these issues to be disclosed, on an almost daily basis, is undermining confidence, not only in the ability of Sinn Fein to hold any office of authority, both here and in the Republic of Ireland, but on the credibility of government in both jurisdictions."
The former Belfast Lord Mayor, resigned from the Seanad in December last year for health reason. However, it has now been revealed that Ó Donnghaile had been suspended from the party months before for "sending inappropriate texts to a teenager".
According to reports, police and social services investigated Mr Ó Donnghaile and found no illegality and no criminal charges were brought.
Sinn Féin are now facing questions over why they did not reveal this information about Ó Donnghaile at the time.
"At this point It is inconceivable not to expect the First Minister to address the Assembly to provide the clarity that has been, so far, missing.
"It is particularly important that any such engagement from the First Minister MUST include a statement that identifies how many additional cases the party are aware of that involve, potential disciplinary action due to potential criminal activity or child or vulnerable person safeguarding issues.
"For these issues to be disclosed, on an almost daily basis, is undermining confidence, not only in the ability of Sinn Fein to hold any office of authority, both here and in the Republic of Ireland, but on the credibility of government in both jurisdictions."
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