Sinn Féin rules out internal inquiry into fraud allegations against Cork TD Thomas Gould
There is “no need” for an internal Sinn Féin investigation into Cork TD Thomas Gould following an arrest by gardaí over alleged fraud last week, the party has said.
The Cork North-Central TD was arrested on Friday for questioning in relation to €150,000 worth of business fraud from more than a decade ago.
Mr Gould was released without charge later that evening.
He has rejected all allegations made against him by his former employer and said he was entirely innocent.
Senior Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane has insisted there is no need for any internal processes with the party over the allegations against Mr Gould.
“No charges have been brought against anybody.
"Allegations have been made and when allegations of that nature are made, it’s up to the criminal justice system and up to An Garda Síochána in this instance to properly investigate them,” Mr Cullinane said.
David Cullinane said Mr Gould would be defending himself and it was up to the gardaí to 'properly and independently' deal with the matter. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/ RollingNews.ie“Particularly when somebody absolutely and very vigorously refutes the allegations that are being made, that person is fully entitled to defend themselves — which they are — through their solicitor.”
Mr Cullinane said Mr Gould would be defending himself and it was up to the gardaí to “properly and independently” deal with the matter.
Asked if the allegations were known more widely in Sinn Féin, Mr Cullinane said the party leaders were made aware in February.
Mr Cullinane said he was not aware of the allegations at the time, while adding he had not spoken to Mr Gould.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said on Monday Mr Gould had since written to Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy to seek to address the Dáil over the allegations.
The party said that Mr Gould, who is currently undergoing treatment for bowel cancer, had its unequivocal support.
Mr Cullinane said questions would have been raised had he not indicated his willingness to address the Dáil.
“I think that’s about transparency. The person who knows most about making sure that there is nothing said that would prejudice an investigation would be Tommy, as he completely refutes the allegations,” Mr Cullinane said.
“I would imagine it will be a very brief statement. It’s Tommy’s prerogative and I think it’s the right thing to do that will not in any way prejudice a Garda investigation.”
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