16/10/2024
UUP Calls For 'Total Clarity' From SF Following Latest Controversy
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has called on Sinn Féin to provide "total clarity" to the Assembly following the latest controversy surrounding Niall Ó Donnghaile.
The former Belfast Lord Mayor, resigned from the Seanad in December last year for health reason. However, it has now been revealed that Ó Donnghaile had been suspended from the party months before for "sending inappropriate texts to a teenager".
According to reports, police and social services investigated Mr Ó Donnghaile and found no illegality and no criminal charges were brought.
Sinn Féin are now facing questions over why they did not reveal this information about Ó Donnghaile at the time.
UUP Deputy Leader, Robbie Butler MLA, said: "This latest set of revelations only enhance the importance of getting answers to the many unanswered questions facing Sinn Fein.
"At this point It is inconceivable not to expect the First Minister to address the Assembly to provide the clarity that has been, so far, missing.
"It is particularly important that any such engagement from the First Minister MUST include a statement that identifies how many additional cases the party are aware of that involve, potential disciplinary action due to potential criminal activity or child or vulnerable person safeguarding issues.
"For these issues to be disclosed, on an almost daily basis, is undermining confidence, not only in the ability of Sinn Fein to hold any office of authority, both here and in the Republic of Ireland, but on the credibility of government in both jurisdictions."
The former Belfast Lord Mayor, resigned from the Seanad in December last year for health reason. However, it has now been revealed that Ó Donnghaile had been suspended from the party months before for "sending inappropriate texts to a teenager".
According to reports, police and social services investigated Mr Ó Donnghaile and found no illegality and no criminal charges were brought.
Sinn Féin are now facing questions over why they did not reveal this information about Ó Donnghaile at the time.
UUP Deputy Leader, Robbie Butler MLA, said: "This latest set of revelations only enhance the importance of getting answers to the many unanswered questions facing Sinn Fein.
"At this point It is inconceivable not to expect the First Minister to address the Assembly to provide the clarity that has been, so far, missing.
"It is particularly important that any such engagement from the First Minister MUST include a statement that identifies how many additional cases the party are aware of that involve, potential disciplinary action due to potential criminal activity or child or vulnerable person safeguarding issues.
"For these issues to be disclosed, on an almost daily basis, is undermining confidence, not only in the ability of Sinn Fein to hold any office of authority, both here and in the Republic of Ireland, but on the credibility of government in both jurisdictions."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 September 2009
Future Of Police Barracks Raised
Queries have been raised with the NI Housing Executive (NIHE) regarding the future of a former police station in east Belfast. The Mountpottinger barracks was closed last month and remains in the ownership of the Policing Board.
Future Of Police Barracks Raised
Queries have been raised with the NI Housing Executive (NIHE) regarding the future of a former police station in east Belfast. The Mountpottinger barracks was closed last month and remains in the ownership of the Policing Board.
27 May 2011
Youngest Ever Mayor For Belfast
A 25-year-old Sinn Fein activist who was only recently elected as a new member of Belfast City Council, as a representative for the Pottinger ward of east Belfast, last night became Belfast's youngest ever Lord Mayor.
Youngest Ever Mayor For Belfast
A 25-year-old Sinn Fein activist who was only recently elected as a new member of Belfast City Council, as a representative for the Pottinger ward of east Belfast, last night became Belfast's youngest ever Lord Mayor.
10 March 2017
Irish Govt 'Must Seek EU Special Status For NI' – Ó Donnghaile
The Irish Government must push for Designated Special Status for Northern Ireland within the EU, according to Sinn Féin Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile. Speaking today, 10 March, Seanadóir Ó Donnghaile said the Irish Government should become "champions for Designated Special Status for the North of Ireland within the EU".
Irish Govt 'Must Seek EU Special Status For NI' – Ó Donnghaile
The Irish Government must push for Designated Special Status for Northern Ireland within the EU, according to Sinn Féin Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile. Speaking today, 10 March, Seanadóir Ó Donnghaile said the Irish Government should become "champions for Designated Special Status for the North of Ireland within the EU".
09 November 2010
Ó Donnghaile To Run In East Belfast
Sinn Fein activists gathered in east Belfast last night to select their candidate for next year's Belfast City Council and the Assembly elections. Niall Ó Donnghaile was elected unopposed by local party activists and his name will now go to the party's Ard Chomhairle for ratification.
Ó Donnghaile To Run In East Belfast
Sinn Fein activists gathered in east Belfast last night to select their candidate for next year's Belfast City Council and the Assembly elections. Niall Ó Donnghaile was elected unopposed by local party activists and his name will now go to the party's Ard Chomhairle for ratification.
06 November 2015
Family Receive 'Death Threat' In East Belfast
A sympathy card with a bullet inside calling for payment of an outstanding debt has been left at a family home in the Short Strand area in east Belfast, according to Sinn Féin Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile. Councillor Ó Donnghaile condemned the people responsible for leaving the 'death threat' and said it was a clear case of mistaken identity.
Family Receive 'Death Threat' In East Belfast
A sympathy card with a bullet inside calling for payment of an outstanding debt has been left at a family home in the Short Strand area in east Belfast, according to Sinn Féin Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile. Councillor Ó Donnghaile condemned the people responsible for leaving the 'death threat' and said it was a clear case of mistaken identity.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry and cloudy this morning, some patchy rain in the northwest. This afternoon will be cloudy with some light and patchy rain spreading southeast for a time. Maximum temperature 17 °C.Tonight:Clear periods across the north at first this evening. Otherwise a cloudy evening and night with outbreaks of rain spreading from the southwest. Light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.