Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald encourages journalists to investigate other political parties

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has pointed journalists in the direction of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael when asked to issues that have emerged about Laois TD Brian Stanley and other party members in recent weeks.

Ms McDonald commented when speaking to the press before the Laois Sinn Féin General Election selection convention in Portlaoise. The event was also open to media to attend.

It was her first visit to the constituency since Brian Stanley resigned from the party in the wake a provisional finding from Sinn Féin internal inquiry that he guilty of gross misconduct on the grounds of sexual harassment. Dep Stanley claims he has been the victim of character assassination and Sinn Féin Kangaroo court. 

She was asked if there was a 'cultural problem' in Sinn Féin due to the controversies that have engulfed the party in controversy in recent weeks ranging from Stanley controversy to references given to convicted paedophile and former press officer Michael McMonagle by two since-resigned press officers.

It was put to him that such matters are not occurring in Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael but the press would report on it if true.

"Then you need to go and do a bit more investigating. I can only account for Sinn Féin and I can tell you that any complaint that is made on any matter is taken seriously. The inquiries are made and where action is required, disciplinary action is taken and I do not flinch from that," she said. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Laois Sinn Féin General Election convention in Portlaoise.

It emerged this week that Belfast City councillor JJ Magee has been suspended from the party "without prejudice" after an allegation that inappropriate online messages were exchanged between him and a minor.

Ms McDonald urged caution about the case and added.

"We are a large organisation and you can't legislate for human behaviour what you can do is ensure you have the appropriate responses where difficulties arise. This is a great party full of incredible, really really good people, regular people from urban and rural Ireland, women and men, young and old, tall and short, black and white," she said.

Ms McDonald made little reference to Brian Stanley during or before the convention.