Councillor who provided reference for Irish soldier jailed for rape of woman in Dublin hotel is reinstated

Brian Tierney, previously suspended from the SDLP pending an investigation, has been reinstated following the party's conclusion of the inquiry. The SDLP acknowledged his remorse over providing a character reference for a convicted rapist. The party emphasized the need for changes involving social media conduct and training on domestic abuse issues. Tierney had apologized, claiming to be unaware of the gravity of the charges against Kielan Mooney when he wrote the reference, which he later withdrew. The SDLP is implementing reforms to address such matters more effectively going forward.

The SDLP believes in the legitimacy of remorse and restitution. That's why we have taken the decision to reinstate Brian Tierney's SDLP membership alongside a number of substantial process changes within the party.

The party has implemented a series of directives in relation to character references, appropriate social media usage plus mandatory training for elected representatives on access to justice for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

Read at Irish Independent