Mary Lou McDonald lashes ‘offensive’ comments made about her during Regency trial

 • Yesterday 09:41

Mary Lou McDonald has hit out at what she called the ‘false and deeply offensive comments’ made about her during the Regency trial.

During the course of the trial it was claimed by Jonathan Dowdall, a one-time confidant of Ms McDonald, that the Sinn Féin leader had used the Hutch family for money and votes.

In a statement shortly after the trial concluded on Monday, Ms McDonald said: ‘I have never met Gerard Hutch. I have never received money or electoral support from Gerard Hutch. The record shows that I have stood resolutely on the side of the community in the fight against criminal gangs, drug dealers and anti-social elements, and I will continue to do so.’

Mary Lou McDonald has hit out at what she called the ‘false and deeply offensive comments’ made about her during the Regency trial. Pic: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie© Provided by Extra.ie

She added: ‘Jonathan Dowdall should never have been a member of Sinn Féin. Had I known what he would become involved in he would not have been a party member for one minute, never mind running for public office – I would not tolerate that.’

Ms McDonald also said the murder of David Byrne ‘was a brutal and callous crime’. She added: Today there were two successful convictions in relation to the shocking attack. I commend the gardaí and the Courts for their work, and I know the gardaí will not cease in their efforts until those responsible for the murder are brought to justice.

Jonathan Dowdall.© Provided by Extra.ie

‘The gardaí and the criminal justice system must continue to effectively and relentlessly target the organised crime bosses, their operations and their assets and be given all the resources and powers they need. We need targeted and substantial investment in community development, education and employment, particularly in those areas of our cities where organised crime gangs are recruiting members.’

Dowdall donated €1,000 to Ms McDonald as far back as 2011, but the party leader refused to say if she would make a donation in a similar amount to a charity. Ms McDonald also said that other parties had members who ‘randomly’ had done things that were ‘inexplicable and wrong’.

She added: ‘In the case of Jonathan Dowdall, he was one, but he certainly does not define in any way the calibre, the nature or the standing of the good people, the fine people of Sinn Féin.’