SDLP reinstates Derry councillor Brian Tierney following suspension

The SDLP has concluded an investigation into the conduct of councillor Brian Tierney and have reinstated his party membership and the whip on Derry City and Strabane District Council.

Cllr Tierney resigned the party whip and the SDLP suspended his membership three months ago pending an internal investigation after it emerged that he provided a character reference for Kielan Mooney, who was jailed for raping a fellow Irish soldier.

The party said it has implemented a series of directives in relation to character references, appropriate social media usage plus mandatory training for elected representatives on access to justice for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

An SDLP spokesperson said: "We acknowledge the deep hurt caused by the issuing of a character reference for Kielan Mooney. We further acknowledge that Councillor Tierney was misled about the nature of the offence, that his apology and his engagement with affected parties were fulsome, and that they have been accepted by the victim at the centre of the case against Mooney.

"In a separate instance covered by the investigation, Cllr Tierney liked a prominent Facebook post in 2018 from the family of a local man who had recently taken his own life. We accept that while not intending to cause hurt, this added to the distress felt by a victim close to the situation.

"We want to put on record our appreciation to those who engaged with the party as part of this investigation and for the guidance from organisations expert in supporting women within the justice system on this matter."

The spokesperson added: “Character references in the legal system have worked against victims and survivors of sexual violence and the SDLP are actively working for them to be prohibited in cases of this nature. Harm, even if unintended, needs to be addressed in a way that supports pathways to justice for victims.

"As a political party we accept the need to challenge and educate on attitudes that can contribute to an environment that is stacked against victims and survivors.

“The SDLP believes in the legitimacy of remorse and restitution. That’s why we have taken the decision to reinstate Brian Tierney’s SDLP membership alongside a number of substantial process changes within the party.

"The SDLP has issued directives to all our elected representatives that include:

“The SDLP will continue to work towards the eradication of violence against women and girls and will actively campaign for the removal of character references in our courts.”