Sinn Fein vice-president Michelle O’Neill said both the press officers lost their jobs and are no longer members of the party, adding that she apologised for the hurt and distress caused by their actions. Last month, McMonagle, 42, from Limewood Street, Londonderry, admitted a series of offences, including attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity. Fearghal McKinney, head of the BHF in Northern Ireland, said the charity was dismayed when their due diligence appeared to have been questioned. Stormont First Minister Michelle O’Neill apologised for the hurt and distress caused by the press officers’ actions (NI Assembly Broadcasting/PA)“This caused enormous distress and anxiety among our staff and unwavering supporters,” he told the BBC. “When this happened and there was damage caused, as we saw it, to our reputation, added damage we thought around the public comments that were made, we had to do something to make sure that the record was put straight,” he said.

Source: The Herald October 07, 2024 11:16 UTC