Sinn Fein Leader Apologizes for Misstatement in Texting Scandal

Mary Lou McDonald issues an apology for incorrect information about a teenager's age in a controversy involving former senator Niall O Donnghaile.

Mary Lou McDonald clarified that the teenager involved was 16, not 17, when he received inappropriate texts from former senator Niall O Donnghaile.
McDonald apologized for previous statements that inadvertently supported O Donnghaile after his resignation from Sinn Fein.
Sinn Fein acknowledged the issue last year, referring it to the PSNI and social services, but no criminal charges were pursued.
Michelle O’Neill, Northern Ireland's First Minister, confirmed the teenager's correct age in a statement to the Assembly.
Separately, a Sinn Fein employee resigned after admitting to damaging a portrait at Belfast City Hall, highlighting ongoing controversies within the party.