Gardaí decline to comment on referral in relation to Laois TD and unnamed party member

Gardaí have declined to comment on allegations forwarded to gardaí following Laois TD Brian Stanley’s resignation from Sinn Fein. 

Deputy Stanley was the subject of an internal party inquiry after a complaint was made against him by a member of the party at the end of July. Sinn Fein said a counter complaint was subsequently made. 

Dep Stanley decided to resign from the party last Saturday and said he would continue as an Independent Republican TD. 

Following his resignation, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said details of the complaints were forwarded to gardaí. 

Gardai said they would not comment directly on investigations involving named individuals or organisations. 

However, a spokesperson outlined the manner in which referrals to An Garda Síochána are dealt with.

“In general and without commenting on any specific matter, third party referrals to An Garda Síochána are initially examined to determine whether they meet the threshold for a potential criminal offence. They are not automatically subject to criminal investigation,” they spokesperson said. 

Dep McDonald has said details of the complaints were forwarded to gardaí out of an abundance of caution.