Sinn Fein sacks councilor over inappropriate texting allegations

Sinn Fein has suspended a Belfast city councilor following allegations he exchanged inappropriate online messages with a minor.

The party said it had removed JJ Magee without prejudice, referring the matter to social services and the PSNI.

Mr. Magee’s lawyers said he “emphatically denies allegations of inappropriate conduct.”

KRW Law said the complaint against its client had been forwarded to the Northern Ireland Local Government Standards Commissioner, adding that Mr Magee had submitted a 12,000-word, 38-page rebuttal to the commissioner.

Lawyers said Mr Magee did not inform Sinn Fein about the complaint because it had “no substance” and he believed the matter would be resolved quickly by the commissioner.

Sinn Fein said in a statement on Sunday night: “Sinn Fein national president Declan Kearney said the leader of Belfast City Council had been informed that the Sinn Fein party whip had been taken away from councilor JJ Magee.

“Councilman Magee was suspended from the party without prejudice following receipt of an allegation of inappropriate online messages exchanged between him and a minor. This was passed on to social services and the PSNI in line with Sinn Fein’s child protection policy.

“The party will not be commenting further as this matter is being actively investigated by the relevant authorities.”

KRW Law said: “Our client categorically denies any allegations of inappropriate conduct and, in particular, any conduct that could lead to a breach of the councillors’ code of conduct.”

The law firm insisted the complaint was “selective” and involved editing portions of meaning of messages sent and received over a three-month period.

In the statement, “Our client claims that there is not a single line that could be considered inappropriate in any of the messages sent to him.”

“Our client also confirms that he did not inform Sinn Fein of this complaint as it had no merit and that he believed the matter would be resolved quickly once all the facts were presented to the commissioner.”

KRW Law said Mr Magee explained “every single message” shared with the complainant and communicated fully with the commissioner.

“Our client looks forward to being exonerated and his reputation restored,” the statement said.

Lawyers said Mr. Magee would not comment further.

This development is the latest internal issue to affect Sinn Fein in recent months.

The party has faced criticism for its handling of a number of controversies involving former press officer Michael McMonagle and former senator Niall O Donnghaile.

In September McMonagle, 42, of Limewood Street, Londonderry, admitted a string of offenses including attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.

It was later revealed that two other press officers who resigned from the party after Sinn Fein suspended him during police investigations had provided him with job references.

References led to McMonagle getting a job at the British Heart Foundation in 2022; however, the charity was unaware of the allegations.

Last month former Sinn Fein senator and Belfast mayor Mr O Donnghaile announced he was quitting the Seanad and leaving the party last December over a complaint accusing him of sending inappropriate text messages to a teenager.

Sinn Fein referred this matter to the PSNI and social services last September but no criminal investigation was carried out.

Separately last month, it was revealed that a Sinn Fein member had resigned from the party after admitting his involvement in an incident in Belfast City Hall in which a portrait of former DUP lord mayor Lord Wallace Browne was damaged.

Earlier in October, high-profile Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley resigned from the party amid controversy over a complaint against him.

He claimed he was subjected to “character assassination” by a clique within the party and likened their process to a kangaroo court. Sinn Fein denied his allegations and insisted the matter was dealt with in accordance with proper procedures.

His resignation comes just days after Sinn Fein member Patricia Ryan left the party.

He said his departure was in response to the party “weakening” him.