Who is Niall Ó Donnghaile? Former Sinn Fein senator at centre of texting controversy

The former senator is at the centre of controversy

Former Sinn Féin Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile has been confirmed as the party member at the centre of an alleged texting controversy.

It was reported last weekend that a Sinn Féin member was suspended and later resigned after they allegedly sent inappropriate text messages to a teenager.

The matter was referred to the PSNI, but the Northern Irish police force did not launch a formal investigation. On Tuesday afternoon, Mr Ó Donnghaile confirmed that he was the party member at the centre of the controversy.

Despite spending eight years in the Seanad, the Belfast-born man would not be a household name for most. Mr Ó Donnghaile, now 39, was first elected to Belfast City Council in May 2011 and remained on the council until May 2016.

He also served as the 68th Lord Mayor of Belfast for one year from June 2011. In June 2016, he became a Senator in Seanad Eireann, serving on the administrative panel.

He was reappointed to the Seanad in June 2020, becoming the leader of Sinn Féin in the Seanad. In December 2023, Mr Ó Donnghaile stated he was stepping down from the Seanad for health reasons.

He said: “Since the summer recess, I have been unable to attend the Seanad on the advice of my doctor.

“It is unlikely that this situation will change in the short term. Therefore I feel the best decision for myself, my family and the party going forward is to resign from the Seanad and step back from public life.”

Party leader Mary Lou McDonald also issued a statement wishing Mr Ó Donnghaile well.

"Niall has served in the Seanad for almost eight years giving voice to northern nationalists in the Oireachtas,” she said.

"Niall served diligently during that period, and indeed prior during his time as a member of Belfast City Council and as Ardmhéara Beál Feirste.

"In particular, Niall made a valuable contribution to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

"I hope that Niall can overcome the health challenges that he has had to deal with over the past number of months, and I wish him and his family the very best for the future."

Mr Ó Donnghaile has since confirmed that he was the Sinn Féin member accused of allegedly sending text messages to a teenager in September 2023.

Ms McDonald also said the allegation was not divulged at the time of his resignation due to concerns about Mr Ó Donnghaile’s mental health.

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