Northern Eire’s first minister Michelle O’Neill has apologised after two Sinn Fein officers offered the British Coronary heart Basis (BHF) with references for a former worker who was beneath investigation for little one intercourse offences.
Ms O’Neill, the social gathering’s vp, reiterated her “anger and disgust” that the press officers offered the employment references for 42-year-old Michael McMonagle for a job on the charity.
Final month, McMonagle, from Limewood Avenue, Derry, admitted a collection of offences, together with making an attempt to incite a baby to have interaction in sexual exercise.
Picture:
Michael McMonagle, who admitted little one intercourse offences in court docket final month. Pic: PA
McMonagle was first arrested in August 2021, with Sinn Fein saying it suspended him as quickly because it grew to become conscious of the police investigation. His employment with the social gathering was terminated in June 2022 when his contract ended.
He began working for the BHF from September 2022.
In a press release, Ms O’Neill mentioned the 2 press officers not work for the social gathering and are not social gathering members.
The HR supervisor did so, however Ms O’Neill mentioned the contact was not delivered to her consideration or to the eye of the Sinn Fein management, which she referred to as “a serious omission”.
Ms O’Neill mentioned she was made conscious of his suspension and had no additional contact with him.
In her assertion on Saturday, she mentioned she was “absolutely appalled and horrified” concerning the references given by the press officers.
“These references were given without the knowledge or authorisation of the party. Under no circumstances would the party provide a reference, for work or otherwise, for Michael McMonagle,” she mentioned.
“Michael McMonagle’s actions are utterly reprehensible and he is being held fully accountable under the law. His crimes have inflicted significant harm on his innocent victims. There is nothing more reprehensible than the abuse of a child.”
The BHF mentioned on Saturday it’s assured it undertook “all necessary statutory and moral duties required” all through the hiring course of.
