Ex-Sinn Fein senator says he's the party member suspended over texts to teen
The party member was suspended in September 2023
by Louise Burne · Irish MirrorFormer Sinn Féin Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile has confirmed he is the party member who was referred to the PSNI for sending text messages to a teenager.
The PSNI did not carry out any formal investigation on the matter. The party member was suspended in September 2023 when the matter was referred to the PSNI.
Mr O Donnghaile, who was previously the Lord Mayor of Belfast, resigned from the Seanad in December, citing the advice of a doctor.
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Ahead of statements on child protection in the Dáil on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Ó Donnghaile confirmed that he was the member who was involved in the texting scandal. Ms McDonald was expected to name him under Dáil privilege, but the former Senator released a statement in advance.
In December 2023, Mr Ó Donnghaile resigned from the Seanad, citing “ill health” and stated, “Since the summer recess, I have been unable to attend the Seanad on the advice of my doctor”.
In a statement to Mr Ó Donnghaile said he “sent inappropriate messages” and “in consultation with the party, I accept warranted my stepping down from my role as a Senator and Sinn Féin member”.
“This would also give me the space to focus on improving my health and wellbeing, issues that I have been dealing with my doctor on.
“At the time I made myself available to the PSNI; at no stage was I spoken to by them or any other agency. The PSNI confirmed that no offences had occurred.”
In a statement on December 21 2023, Ms McDonald said she hoped “Niall can overcome the health challenges”.
"Niall has served in the Seanad for almost eight years giving voice to northern nationalists in the Oireachtas,” she said. "Niall served diligently during that period, and indeed prior during his time as a member of Belfast City Council and as Ardmhéara Beál Feirste.
"I hope that Niall can overcome the health challenges that he has had to deal with over the past number of months, and I wish him and his family the very best for the future."
In the Dáil, Ms McDonald defended not divulging the reasons behind Mr Ó Donnghaile’s resignation, stating concerns for his mental health.
“On the 11th of September 2023 a party councillor received a complaint that an inappropriate message had been sent by Niall Ó Donnghaile to a 17-year-old male party member. The young man wanted this to stop, and he wanted no further contact to be made to him by Niall Ó Donnghaile.
“On the 12th of September, the chairperson of Belfast Sinn Fein was informed of the complaint, and so began the formal party procedure as part of the party's inquiry.
“At the time, we were informed of a second individual receiving inappropriate text messages from Niall Ó Donnghaile. This person was an adult. He was advised of his right to make a formal complaint, but he chose not to.”
She continued: “The party had received legal advice against naming Mr Ó Donnghaile as there was no criminal charge brought against him. However, the question may be asked, and has been asked legitimately as to why Sinn Féin didn't inform the Oireachtas of the circumstances of Niall Ó Donnghaile’s resignation as a senator. That's a fair question, and let me answer it.
“In the summer of 2021, Niall Ó Donnghaile was on extended leave from his duties in the Seanad due to very serious mental health issues.
“Following the complaint, we were advised that Niall Ó Donnghaile was again suffering from a mental health crisis and was deemed medically unfit for work by his doctor.
“We were very worried that publicly naming him would be dangerous to his health and that is not to make an excuse for his behaviour, but we had very serious concerns for his mental health and his safety, and I still hold some of those concerns to this very day.”
Mr Ó Donnghaile was leader of Sinn Féin in the Seanad between June 2020 and January 2024. He served as a Senator from June 2016, having previously served as a member of Belfast City Council between 2011 and 2016. He also served as Lord Mayor of Belfast.
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