Sinn Féin TD questioned by gardaí over fraud allegations

Party leader, Mary Lou McDonald, confirmed the arrest last night.

The Irish Times reported yesterday that an unnamed politician had been questioned in relation to the issue.

This has since been confirmed to be Mr Gould who represents Cork North Central.

The 56-year-old was arrested by appointment.

Sinn Féin leader, Mary Lou McDonald, confirmed the news last night, adding that Kenneth Collins, a Sinn Féin councillor in Cork who worked for the same company, was also questioned in January.

According to Ms McDonald, Mr Gould had told the party that a complaint had been made and that he was asked to make a statement in early February.

In her statement, she said: “He was interviewed by gardaí in Cork yesterday [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.”

Mr Gould issued his own statement last night saying he "rejects the complaint entirely."

His statement said: “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.

“I reject the complaint entirely and I will be meeting with my legal team to discuss all avenues now open.

“I am entirely innocent and reject the complaint which my former employer has made against me.

"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."