It has been revealed that the BHF contacted Sinn Féin in August 2023 after charges were brought against Michael McMonagle
Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill has apologised to the British Heart Foundation amid the controversy around how a former party press officer suspected of child sex offences got a job with the charity.
McMonagle took up a position with the British Heart Foundation in September 2022. However, the charity has said it was not made aware that he was facing investigation. Two Sinn Fein press officers resigned last Saturday after it emerged they had given references for McMonagle for the charity job. “This is an organisation that does great work providing support, research and advocacy services I am deeply sorry that they have been caught up in this unacceptable situation. I look forward to a continued constructive relationship with the British Heart Foundation in promoting heart health.”
In the statement outlining the chronology of the events, she said: "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.
"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.Head of British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland Fearghal McKinney said: "This morning, I spoke to Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill by telephone.
"I wish to reiterate that the BHF is confident we 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.
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