FG ‘shocked’ as former cllr jailed

Fine Gael has said it is “shocked” by the actions of former councillor Seán McKiernan following his jailing this week for stealing more than €172,000 from a mental health housing charity.

McKiernan (44), of Virginia Road, Bailieborough, was sentenced at Trim Circuit Court to three years and nine months in prison, with the final 12 months suspended (see full court report here).

In a statement, a Fine Gael spokesperson said: “We are shocked by Mr McKiernan’s actions and the serious offences he committed. As described by the judge, Mr McKiernan’s actions were a serious breach of trust.”

McKiernan made history at the age of 29 when he was elected the youngest-ever chairman, or cathaoirleach, of Cavan County Council. He later served for several years on the Fine Gael National Executive and was a prominent figure in the party’s youth ranks.

He represented Fine Gael as an elected councillor for his hometown of Bailieborough for two terms from 2007, losing his seat in 2014. The communications and HR consultant, who previously worked as a development officer with Mental Health Ireland, also sat on the board of Cavan-Monaghan Education and Training Board.

From 2013, McKiernan acted as secretary and treasurer of the Navan Mental Health Housing Association. Gardaí found that in 2019 and 2020 he wrote 58 cheques to 33 individuals, mainly South American men.

The court heard that McKiernan stole just over €172,000 from the charity over a 13-month period between March 2019 and April 2020.

The party statement regarding McKiernan's conviction concluded:

“These serious crimes have resulted in Navan Mental Health Housing Association having to cease its activities. We commend the actions of the charity, its auditors, An Garda Síochána and the DPP, which have resulted in justice being served. Mr McKiernan has not been a member of Fine Gael for a number of years.”