Laois Senator says she had 'no knowledge whatsoever' of Garda concerns

Laois Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack has said she is deeply shocked at the arrest of people in Laois in connection with an alleged far-right plot to kill and maim.

She commended Gardaí for their swift actions and said she abhors the violence and racism of the far right, who she said have abused, threatened and attacked innocent people including Sinn Féin members over recent years.

Sen McCormack said: “A female member of Sinn Féin has been expelled from our party following a raid on the home of her, and her partner, and his arrest in connection with the Garda investigation”. 

The woman and her partner were signed into the Dáil by Senator McCormack in July of this year for an endometriosis debate. They have also been pictured with Sen McCormack and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald.

Sen McCormack said she was deeply shocked at the arrest and charging of people in connection with an alleged far-right plot to kill and maim. “Those feelings are shared across Laois Sinn Féin and in the wider community.”

Speaking in relation to the woman who had been expelled from the party, Sen McCormack said:  “I met the woman in 2023 when I worked in palliative care and I was a carer to her terminally ill mother. I am shocked and angry at what has happened.”

“I also want to address the issue of the local man who was arrested. I met him when I was providing palliative care to his partner’s mother. He applied to join the party during the election campaign in November 2024 and again the following year but his membership application was not accepted and I supported that decision. Any interaction he had with Sinn Féin was informal and solely through his partner, who was a member at the time.”

Sen McCormack said “at no time did I have any knowledge whatsoever of the concerns now under Garda investigation, nor was there ever any indication of involvement in far-right extremism or violence.”

“The actions now under investigation are utterly shocking, and they bear no resemblance to the individual as he presented himself to me,” she said. 

She went on to say “what has emerged is deeply distressing, and I fully commend the Gardaí for their decisive work.”

“I abhor the violence and racism of the far right. They thrive on hatred and fear. Over recent years they have abused, threatened and attacked innocent people, including Sinn Féin representatives and members. Some are in jail due to death threats they have made against the Sinn Féin leader.” 

“We will not allow our party to be exposed to any far-right elements who want to disrupt our activism. We continue to work closely with the Gardaí, who are vigilant in the face of these threats,” said Sen McCormack. 

In conclusion, she said,  “as this matter is subject to serious legal proceedings, I cannot comment further at this time.”