Mayo Sinn Féin TD rallies behind party leadership

Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh has offered her firm support to Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald as the party grapples with a string of scandals that have placed its leadership under growing scrutiny.

The resignation of Laois TD Brian Stanley on Saturday evening has deepened the crisis for Sinn Féin.

Stanley, who accused the party of running a "kangaroo court," stepped down amid ongoing tensions, further fuelling criticism of McDonald's handling of internal disputes.

Conway-Walsh refused to be drawn into the specifics surrounding Stanley’s departure but confirmed that all party protocols had been adhered to in dealing with the situation.

However, she did express her "immense disappointment" in her colleague’s actions, while noting the matter is now under Garda investigation.

“Mary Lou is a formidable and strong leader, and she will guide us into the future and through the next general election,” she said.

“I’m ferociously disappointed by Brian Stanley, but I’m satisfied that the party has taken all appropriate steps to hold him to account.”

She dismissed suggestions of procedural failures, stating that “all protocols were followed,” adding, “the notion that they weren’t is simply wrong.

Stanley was accompanied by his solicitor and barrister throughout the process.”