Mary Lou McDonald says she ‘shouldn’t have made’ statement praising senator who resigned after sending texts to teen

Mr Ó Donnghaile resigned from the party last year after sending allegedly inappropriate messages to a teenager.

Announcing his resignation, Sinn Féin issued a statement in December 2023 where Ms McDonald praised Mr Ó Donnghaile for serving “diligently” and making a “valuable contribution” to the Oireachtas.

The statement also said the former senator was resigning on health grounds.

The boy has since said this statement, which he described as “glowing”, was like a “mental stab”.

Speaking at the launch of Sinn Féin’s healthcare policy, Ms McDonald said that she and the party were concerned for Mr Ó Donnghaile’s frame of mind at the time of the statement.

“I was concerned, we were concerned about his frame of mind and his safety, and therefore the logic of the manner of handling,” Ms McDonald said.

“But of course, with the benefit of hindsight, the statement shouldn’t have been made. And I say that because it caused hurt to the young person in question. That’s my…

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Independent.ie