SINN FÉIN HQ this evening sought to distance itself from the actions of a member of its UCC Cumann, after details of a text from the group emerged warning members not to make comments about Gerry Adams’ recent arrest.
The text, sent by a member of the party’s Cork university branch, read:
“Lads, off the back of the news about Gerry Adams, members of the Cumann are NOT to make any statement regarding the issue. Disciplinary action will be taken to anyone who does so.”
A screenshot of the message has been circulating on social media today, with several users voicing criticism of the message’s sentiment — and its wording.
However, one member of the UCC Cumann said the message was intended for a limited number of people who had access to the group’s social media passwords, and had been sent simply to advise them not to make comments from accounts without consulting others.
“The party, outside of recipients, was unaware of the text until it appeared on social media this afternoon,” a Sinn Féin spokesperson told TheJournal.ie this evening.
“Sinn Féin did not approve the sending of the text. The party does not endorse the nature, contents or language of the text.
The message was sent by a member acting on his own judgement and without consultation with the wider structures of the party.
“The young member made a poor decision and used some highly inappropriate wording. This was a mistake due to inexperience rather than as a result any other intentions.”
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