McMonagle references raised no concerns, says charity

Professional references from two Sinn Féin press officers for a former colleague who was under police investigation for sex offences raised no concerns "about his suitability for employment" at a charity.

Michael McMonagle took up his position at the British Heart Foundation in September 2022 following his dismissal from the party while under police investigation.

In a statement, the charity said it was "first made aware of the arrest of and subsequent criminal charges against the individual on Saturday 29 July 2023 and we suspended him as soon as possible".

McMonagle, from Limewood Street in Londonderry, admitted a series of offences earlier this month , including attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.

Seán Mag Uidhir and Caolán McGinley quit at the weekend just days after it emerged the pair had given the references without clearance from the party.

'Permission was not sought'

The British Heart Foundation said Mr McMonagle took up his position in September 2022 following the provision of two professional references.

The charity said neither of the references provided by the two press officers "raised a concern about his suitability for employment or referenced an ongoing police investigation or suspension from his previous employment".

Sinn Féin described their actions as wrong and unacceptable.

According to Sinn Féin, the work references were provided three months after McMonagle was dismissed from the party while under police investigation.

"The references were not provided by or on behalf of Sinn Féin," a party spokesperson said.

"Permission was not sought, nor would it have been given, from the party for the provision of these references or their content."

The party said it only became aware of the references last week and launched an internal process.

"Before this process concluded, both press officers resigned from their positions and party membership with immediate effect," the spokesperson added.

Neither Seán Mag Uidhir or Caolán McGinley have yet made comment.