Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has confirmed that her party has forwarded a file related to an internal inquiry involving recently resigned TD Brian Stanley to An Garda Síochána. McDonald made the announcement in a statement, asserting that the party would not shy away from challenging issues as they arise.
Brian Stanley, a TD for Laois-Offaly and chair of the Dáil Public Accounts Committee, resigned from Sinn Féin last night, citing efforts by a “certain clique” within the party to damage his reputation. In his statement, Stanley described the internal inquiry that he faced as lacking objectivity and being “seriously flawed,” likening it to a “kangaroo court.”
While the specific details of the internal inquiry remain unclear, McDonald clarified that a complaint had been filed against Stanley at the end of July by a long-standing party member. In response, a disciplinary panel was established to investigate the complaint. She noted that during the preliminary stages of the inquiry, new information emerged, leading to counter-allegations.
“Deputy Stanley’s rights were protected throughout this process,” McDonald stated, emphasizing that he had the right to have legal representation during discussions with the disciplinary panel. A preliminary report was shared with both Stanley and the other party involved last week, providing them with seven days to respond. At this juncture, Sinn Féin sought external legal advice, prompting the suspension of the internal process and the referral of the matter to the Gardaí. Both Stanley and the opposing party have been informed of this development.
McDonald reiterated that Sinn Féin is committed to robust procedures for handling such issues, stating, “These are not outcomes that anyone likes to see, but let me be clear, we have robust procedures for dealing with these issues, and they will be followed at all times and apply equally to all members of the party.”
Brian Stanley, who has been with Sinn Féin for 40 years and was first elected to the Dáil in 2011, announced he would continue serving as a “republican TD” outside the party following his resignation.
Earlier today, Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan criticized Stanley for providing only partial information regarding his situation and urged him to disclose the nature of the complaint that led to the internal inquiry. Speaking on Newstalk, Boylan said, “Brian could end all of this today if he felt so hard done by in terms of that process.”
In a separate statement, Sinn Féin TD Pa Daly expressed disappointment over Stanley’s resignation, praising him for his good politics and sense of humor. Daly acknowledged that internal disputes are common in all parties and dismissed the notion of “cliques” within Sinn Féin.
Stanley’s departure from Sinn Féin follows closely on the heels of Kildare-South TD Patricia Ryan’s resignation, during which she expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s handling of various issues over the past 18 months. Ryan cited concerns about restrictions on her social media activity and the requirement for members to pre-submit questions for the party leader before meetings.
