Sinn Fein claim Laois TD Brian Stanley declined offer to report complaint issue to Gardai

Sinn Fein has issued a new statement about a discilinary process which has culminated in the resignation of Laois Offaly TD Brian Stanley from the party.

Sinn Féin issued the statement following a statement from Dep Stanley after comments by his former party leader Mary Lou McDonald.

The new statement seeks to clarify the timeline around the process.

However, they also say that Dep Stanley declined to report a matter he raised during the internal process to Gardai.

“The party was contacted on 26th July by the complainant as set out in our statement issued yesterday.

“Our disciplinary committee contacted the complainant on 1st August, outlining the procedures to make a formal complaint. She then submitted a full statement on 2nd August. This marked the official commencement of the disciplinary process.

“On July 29th, the party leader had a brief exchange with Deputy Stanley as outlined on Morning Ireland today. In that conversation, Deputy Stanley indicated that he thought that a complaint might be made about him. The nature of the potential complaint was not discussed or disclosed. The party leader informed him that any complaint, if made, would be dealt with through the party disciplinary process.

“As stated yesterday, during the course of the preliminary inquiry a number of issues of concern were raised including one by Brian Stanley.

“He was advised to go to the Gardaí to report this matter but chose not to. He was accompanied by his barrister and solicitor so was fully advised of his rights and entitlements.

“Following the completion of the preliminary stage of the inquiry and report, and having taken further legal advice the party has referred both the complaint and counter allegation to the Gardaí.

“It is now for the Gardaí to decide if any of the matters we have brought to their attention require further investigation," it concluded.