# Sinn Féin Suspends Councillor Amid Allegations

Sinn Féin has announced the **suspension** of Belfast City councillor **JJ Magee** from the party "without prejudice" following allegations of inappropriate online messages exchanged with a *minor*. 

## Party Response and Investigation

**Declan Kearney**, the National Chairperson of Sinn Féin, stated that the **party whip** had been removed and that the allegations have been forwarded to **social services** and **police** in adherence to the party's safeguarding policy.  

The **Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)** confirmed that it received a report in **June 2024**, but stated that "**no criminal offences were detected**." Magee’s legal representation, **KRW Law**, asserted that he "denies any allegation of inappropriate conduct" and particularly any behavior that might breach the **code of conduct for councillors**.

> "Safeguarding assessments and engagement with other statutory bodies were conducted at that time," said a PSNI spokeswoman.

Kearney also noted that the chief executive of **Belfast City Council** has been informed. The party has indicated it will refrain from further comments as the matter is "under active investigation by the appropriate authorities."

## Allegations and Rebuttals

KRW Law described the complaint against Magee as "**malicious, selective**, and edited" to exclude significant portions of messages exchanged over a three-month period, which could have affected the assessment of whether a formal complaint was warranted. 

The statement also revealed that Magee filed a **38-page rebuttal** to a complaint submitted to the NI Local Government Commissioner for Standards. It added that he did not initially inform Sinn Féin about the complaint, believing there was no basis for it, and anticipated a swift resolution once all facts were disclosed.

> "Our client looks forward to having his good name restored," stated KRW Law.

## Ongoing Controversies

Sinn Féin leader **Mary Lou McDonald** faces increased scrutiny regarding how recent safeguarding issues have been handled. This controversy escalated following revelations about two Sinn Féin press officers who provided references for former colleague **Michael McMonagle**, later convicted for *child sex offences*. 

Additional reports surfaced concerning former Lord Mayor **Niall Ó Donnghaile**, who sent inappropriate texts to a youth member, while party member **Brian Stanley** resigned after facing allegations leading to an internal inquiry. McDonald emphasized that Stanley’s resignation is unrelated to child protection issues but acknowledged the seriousness of these allegations.

As Sinn Féin prepares for upcoming elections in the Republic, these controversies threaten to detract from critical campaign topics such as housing and health.