She also repeated her “anger and disgust” that two party press officers had sent references to the British Heart Foundation for Michael McMonagle.
It came as the charity revealed that, in August 2023, it made contact with a senior Sinn Féin HR official and informed them that it had two references from the party.
That raises awkward questions after several senior Sinn Féin figures insisted the party only became aware of the references in recent days.
Speaking this afternoon, Ms O’Neill said the Sinn Féin leadership had been unaware of the contact until this week, branding it a “serious omission”.
It adds to the pressure on Ms O’Neill, who has denied knowing that McMonagle had taken a job with the BHF – despite being photographed standing several feet from him at a charity event in Stormont in early 2023.
Last month, McMonagle (42), from Limewood Street, Derry, admitted a series of offences, including attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.
The former press aide was first arrested in August 2021. Sinn Féin has said it suspended him as soon as it became aware of the police investigation. McMonagle took up a position with the BHF in September 2022.
Yesterday the party admitted it failed to return McMonagle’s Stormont security pass. It was only handed back this week – with Sinn Féin acknowledging it should have been revoked when he was suspended.
And today Ms O’Neill had to explain why senior party figures had insisted in recent days they were unaware that references were supplied by the two press officers, Sean Mag Uidhir and Caolan McGinley, who have since resigned.
It came after the BHF confirmed this afternoon it had contacted Sinn Féin 14 months ago about the references.
The BHF said: “As a matter of good practice, the BHF reviewed the recruitment process for the individual. As part of this process, on 3 August 2023 we had email dialogue with a senior Sinn Féin HR official where we shared that we had two references from Sinn Féin.”
Ms O’Neill spoke with Fearghal McKinney, the head of the BHF in Northern Ireland, today.
Afterwards, she said: “I am deeply sorry that they have been caught up in this unacceptable situation.”
On the references, she added: “I have also established on the Thursday of this week that in August 2023, following media reports of charges against McMonagle, the British Heart Foundation contacted Sinn Féin’s former HR manager to verify the email address and identity of the senior press officer who had provided the reference the previous year, which the HR manager did.
“This contact from the British Heart Foundation was not brought to my attention, or the attention of the Sinn Féin leadership, at that time. This was a serious omission.”
Ms O’Neill said she wanted to reiterate her “anger and disgust” that references had been provided, and apologised on behalf of the party.
“I am absolutely appalled and horrified that this occurred,” she added.
“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.
“The party took immediate action against both individuals. Their actions constituted gross misconduct, which would result in their dismissal.
“As the party process was ongoing, both individuals resigned their positions and terminated their party membership with immediate effect on Saturday September 28.
“On behalf of Sinn Féin, I apologise for the hurt and distress caused by their actions.”
Ms O’Neill also addressed the controversy around an event at Stormont in February 2023 that McMonagle attended while working for the BHF.
Ms O’Neill was also at the event and her political rivals have questioned her insistence that she did not see McMonagle.
The event was organised for a young Belfast boy who requires a heart transplant.
“My sole focus was on (the child) and supporting the family to raise awareness for the campaign,” she added.
“I was not aware that Michael McMonagle was at this event and I had no knowledge that he had gained employment with the British Heart Foundation.”
She also revealed she had been made aware of an incident involving McMonagle allegedly making an adult female Sinn Féin work colleague uncomfortable at a non-work-related social event a number of years ago.
She said that matter had been resolved by “mutual agreement” at the time.
Ms O’Neill said Sinn Féin would be issuing instructions to all managers and members of staff regarding future requests for character references.
“As a political leader and a mother, I want to be clear that the issue of child safeguarding is of paramount importance to me,” she said.
“The Sinn Féin leadership and I will ensure that a situation like this will never arise again.”
Mr McKinney, meanwhile, said Ms O’Neill had acknowledged that some comments from the party had been unhelpful.
He said the First Minister had expressed regret for the “damage and upset” caused by the controversy.
Mr McKinney said the BHF is confident it undertook “all necessary statutory and moral duties required throughout this entire process”.
“Our staff and volunteers in Northern Ireland have been devastated by this issue and our focus now must be on supporting them and focusing on what we are here to do – funding lifesaving research to find the cures and treatments for heart and circulatory disease,” he added.
“Lastly, our thoughts are with the children and their families who are the ultimate victims of these terrible crimes.”
McMonagle pleaded guilty at Derry Crown Court last month to 14 offences of attempted sexual communication with a child and attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity. The offences dated between May 2020 and August 2021.
He is due to be sentenced next month
Speaking to Cool FM on Tuesday, Economy Minister Conor Murphy said “it became apparent last Wednesday (September 25)” when asked when Sinn Féin learned of the references.
“That’s the first we knew that any references had been given,” he added.
Earlier this week, Ms O’Neill told a Stormont committee: “I did not know anything about Michael McMonagle’s whereabouts or employment.”
On Wednesday, Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin also said the references should not have been provided.
He added that Sinn Féin only became aware of McMonagle’s employment by the BHF in recent weeks.
“My understanding is the party didn’t know, and in fact, all of this only became knowledge to the party when the issue of the references provided without authorisation from the party was brought to the party’s attention the last two weeks,” he added.
On Saturday DUP leader Gavin Robinson said clear answers were now needed from Sinn Féin.
In an email to party members, he said: “Let me be clear: there are few greater responsibilities than the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people.
“The public must have confidence that those in public office handle such matters with the utmost seriousness and integrity.
“This issue is far too serious for half-truths — or indeed silence — from Sinn Féin. It is long overdue for the Sinn Féin leadership to show transparency and honesty.
“I urge Michelle O’Neill to reflect on how she can best address the growing public concern surrounding Sinn Féin’s handling of this scandal.”
