Mary Lou McDonald: McMonagle references 'unacceptable and reprehensible'

The Sinn Féin leader also rejected claims that there was a cover-up culture within parts of the party's organisation

Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald: 'For the life of me, I cannot explain to you or account to you how anybody — any rational, sane, decent person could have considered giving him [McMonagle] any form of reference for anything.' File photo: Damien Storan/PA

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said the provision of references to former press officer Michael McMonagle by two of his colleagues, when he was under investigation for child sex offences, were "unacceptable and reprehensible".

Responding to a request by Government chief whip Hildegarde Naughton that time be agreed to take a statement from Ms McDonald, the Sinn Féin leader told the Dáil that "swift action" was taken in response to the revelation that the two members gave McMonagle references.