Mary Lou McDonald says she 'shouldn't have made' statement praising senator who resigned after sending texts to teen

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald expressed regret over the party's previous glowing statement about former senator Ó Donnghaile, emphasizing that it caused hurt to the victim.

McDonald stated, 'With the benefit of hindsight, the statement shouldn't have been made,' acknowledging that it was insensitive to the young person affected by Ó Donnghaile's actions.

She clarified, 'When somebody breaches trust in the way that he did... there is no door back from that,' confirming Ó Donnghaile's departure was final.

McDonald also addressed the young victim directly, stating, 'My concern is for the young person at the heart of this... that's my primary concern.'

Read at Irish Independent