Deputy First Minister Calls for Full Transparency and Accountability in Michael McMonagle Case
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has called on Sinn Féin to be fully transparent regarding their handling of former employee Michael McMonagle, who recently admitted to child sex offences. The controversy has raised serious questions about the party’s management of safeguarding and their interactions with external organisations.
McMonagle, who was employed by Sinn Féin until 2021, was suspended after allegations of child sex abuse came to light. Despite this, he secured a role with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in 2022. The charity has since expressed frustration at not being informed about the ongoing investigation into McMonagle’s past, prompting questions about the political party’s due diligence.
Little-Pengelly, responding to the issue during the Executive Office questions at Stormont Assembly on Monday, distanced herself from Sinn Féin’s attempts to deflect responsibility. She said the party must take ownership of the situation and answer critical questions surrounding their former employee’s conduct.
“There are serious questions for Sinn Féin to answer. This needs to be addressed with openness and transparency,” Little-Pengelly stated. She also emphasised the importance of taking responsibility and avoiding blaming external organisations, particularly the British Heart Foundation. “They do valuable work, and this situation requires honesty from all involved.”
Fearghal McKinney, head of BHF Northern Ireland, had previously expressed concern that Sinn Féin’s comments implied the charity was at fault for not conducting further checks. However, Little-Pengelly rejected this line of thinking, asserting that the responsibility lay squarely with Sinn Féin.
DUP MLA Peter Martin questioned how the Executive Office, responsible for safeguarding and victims’ issues, could retain the confidence of abuse survivors in light of this scandal. Little-Pengelly responded by referencing previous inquiries into historical abuse and highlighting the need for continuous lessons in openness and accountability.
“This is about protecting vulnerable individuals and learning from past failings,” she remarked, adding that such issues should not be brushed aside.
