Sinn Féin delete photo after request from Ceann Comhairle

James Cox

Sinn Féin has deleted a photo of Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy with politicians from the party as they launched a new Bill outside Leinster House.

The Sinn Féin Bill is designed to create new protection orders for victims of sexual violence. The Victims of Sexual Violence Civil Protection Orders Bill 2025 was debated in the Dáil on Tuesday night.

The Ceann Comhairle is supposed to be impartial politically.

In a statement, the Ceann Comhairle's office said that Sinn Féin has "acceded to that request".

It added: "To suggest that the Ceann Comhairle was photographed in support of a Sinn Féin bill is absolutely inaccurate and seriously misleading.

"In that regard, the Ceann Comhairle has made contact with Sinn Féin this evening regarding the use of the photo on social media in the context of supporting the Sinn Féin bill.

"The Ceann Comhairle’s participation in the photo call was not in anticipation of such use.

"The Ceann Comhairle has asked Sinn Féin to remove the photo from its social media platforms and they acceded to that request."

In the now-deleted post, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said: “Tonight the Dáil will debate Sinn Féin’s bill which would allow a court to impose a restraining order on someone convicted of sexual assault which would prevent them from approaching the victim when released from prison.”

She added: “This is a really important piece of legislation which needs to pass quickly. Victims can’t wait any longer. We stand together to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.”