Brian Stanley investigation has been referred to An Garda Síochána, says Sinn Féin leader – The Irish Times

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said the internal investigation that led to the resignation of TD Brian Stanley has been referred to An Garda Siochana.

The party leader said an internal investigation was launched after a complaint was made against Mr Stanley in late July.

In a statement, Ms McDonald said that during the investigation “further information was presented which led to a counter-allegation”.

The statement said a preliminary determination was made last week and each side was given seven days to respond. It also sought “external legal advice.”

However, the party said the process “has been suspended and the matter has been referred to An Garda Síochána”.

“We will not ignore or hide from difficult issues when they arise,” the statement said.

“These are not results that anyone likes to see, but I want to be clear that we have robust procedures in place for dealing with these issues and these will be followed at all times and apply equally to all members of the party.”

Mr Stanley, a senior TD and chairman of the powerful Public Accounts Committee, announced his resignation from the party last night. This comes following the resignation of Kildare TD Patricia Ryan last week.

In a statement to Laois Today released last night, Mr Stanley said his decision was a result of a complaint which had him “subjected to an internal party investigation”.

He said the inquiry process was flawed, adding: “Given what I have experienced and how Sinn Féin has handled this and other matters across the party over the last few months, I can no longer trust it.”

Mr Stanley said: “After 40 years of service to Sinn Féin, I will now continue to work as an independent republican TD on behalf of the voters who have always treated me fairly and respectfully.”

“In recent months, a certain clique within the party has gone to extreme lengths to tarnish my reputation and character. They have spared no effort in this regard.

“Due to a 'complaint' I was recently brought before an internal party 'investigation'.

“Given the events and the work of my legal team, it is quite clear that this process lacked objectivity, was seriously flawed and lacked impartiality.

“It has become clear that this 'investigation' lacked any credibility, not least due to a significant abuse of process. In many ways it resembled a type of kangaroo dish. Legal consideration of this matter continues.

“Given what I have experienced and how Sinn Féin has handled this and other matters across the party in recent months, I can no longer trust her.”

Mr Stanley has been a Sinn Féin TD since 2011 and was appointed Chair of the Public Accounts Committee in 2020, where he has been actively involved in issues such as overspending on the national children's hospital.

Speaking to RTÉ's The Week in Politics, Sinn Féin justice spokesman Pa Daly said the internal investigation process involving Mr Stanley had not yet completed its work.

He said Mr Stanley's characterization of the inquiry process as a “kangaroo court” was a “strange statement”. However, he said he was saddened by Mr Stanley's departure, adding that his former colleague had “good politics and a good sense of humour”.

He said he did not know the details and had not yet spoken to party leader Mary Lou McDonald about the matter.