Sinn Féin allows male challenge to seat
This is one of the recommendations from Sinn Féin’s controversial review of party activities in east Cork, which also looked at claims of bullying and the alleged misappropriation of funds.
The Irish Examiner has obtained details of the review, which has resulted in one councillor being expelled and another being suspended from the party.
Cobh councillor Kieran McCarthy was expelled from Sinn Féin because of a credit union loan for thousands of euro taken out on his behalf in the party’s name but without its knowledge, party sources say.
Kanturk-Mallow councillor Melissa Mullane has been suspended for what party sources say is “uncomradely behaviour”, including “undermining” Ms McLellan and “trying to marginalise” the TD. More than 60 party members in east Cork, including elected representatives and all officers, were interviewed for the review chaired by Cork North Central TD Jonathan O’Brien.
Senior party sources said the review-approved by Sinn Féin’s ard chomairle on the weekend, includes overturning a previous ban on male candidates challenging Ms McLellan for selection to run in the next general election in Cork East.
A breakdown in communication between party officials and in-fighting among party members, which was becoming public knowledge, formed part of the review as did an anonymous blog. The blog was critical of Ms McLellan’s performance as a TD and interaction with party members.
A loan for thousands of euro was borrowed from a local credit union on behalf of Mr McCarthy. While the loan was repaid, it was allegedly taken out without the party’s knowledge.
Mr McCarthy yesterday told Newstalk radio he was aware of the loan. “The loan was given, the loan was repaid. The loan was actually repaid in full before the investigation took place. All the paper work, receipts and bank details were all shown to the investigation,” he said.
The party review also looked at claims Ms Mullane was involved in “undermining” another party member, namely deputy McLellan.
“She was trying to marginalise her,” said a party source. It is understood the suspended councillor was not investigated over alleged misappropriation of funds.
Ms McLellan has refused to answer calls. Ms Mullane, suspended for 12 months, told the Irish Examiner this week she was shocked about her suspension but knows nothing about bullying or related matters. Mr McCarthy told C103 Radio Cork that there were “differences” and “a bit of history” between himself and Ms McLellan.
