McDonald: Gould allegations ‘now for the gardaí’

The leader of Sinn Féin has said an investigation into alleged fraud involving the arrest and questioning of two Sinn Féin members in Cork remains in the hands of the gardaí.

In a statement issued following the arrest of Sinn Féin TD for Cork North-Central Thomas Gould, Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald said Mr Gould emphatically denies all allegations of fraud and that it is “now for the gardaí to continue their investigation into the complaint”.

However, in her statement, Deputy McDonald did not offer any insight as to what actions the party will take in light of the serious allegations, which also include Cork North-Central Councillor Kenneth Collins.

Ms McDonald said: “In early February, Deputy Thomas Gould informed the party that a complaint had been made against him to the gardaí and that he had been asked to make a statement on the matter.

“He was interviewed by gardaí in Cork (on Friday) and made a detailed statement to them.

“We understand that a number of other people have been questioned as part of garda inquiries. This includes party councillor Kenneth Collins, who worked for the company, and was questioned by gardaí in January.

“They both emphatically deny the allegations,” she added.

In a statement released by his solicitor Martin A Harvey on Saturday, Mr Gould said he “utterly rejects complaint made against him” adding that he is “entirely innocent”.

“I am confident that my position will be vindicated having met with the investigating gardaí where I made a detailed statement.”

“I will be meeting with my legal team to discuss all avenues now open,” he added.

Deputy Gould said: “When this matter was brought to my attention I was shocked and angry. Despite my ongoing treatment for bowel cancer, I proactively requested that my interview with gardaí happen quickly rather than when my treatment concluded as I consider this to be a serious attack on my reputation.

“The complaint made against me relates to my employment as a logistics manager before I was elected to the Dáil in 2020. I worked for this company for 16 years. I was a hard-working employee who was promoted to a senior management level. When the company was sold, the owner asked me to stay on for a period to help with the transition and I was happy to facilitate him,” he said.

Gardaí confirmed that Deputy Gould was released without charge on 7 March.

The complaint made against Deputy Gould dates back to a company he worked for before being elected to Dáil Éireann in 2020. Cllr Collins had worked for the same company and was questioned in January as part of the same garda investigation.

In a short statement on Mr Gould’s arrest, gardaí said: “As part of an ongoing investigation into fraud offences, gardaí in Co. Cork have arrested a man on Friday 7 March 2025.

“The man arrested and detained as part of this ongoing investigation was released without charge on the evening of 7 March 2025.

“Investigations are ongoing.”