Sinn Fein in spotlight over Facebook accounts run from mainland Europe
SINN Féin has confirmed two party supporters based in Serbia are involved in managing its Facebook accounts.
Facebook data also reveals the account of Michelle O’neill is run by five people in the UK, three in the Republic, and one each in Germany and Serbia.
The party said its Facebook accounts are managed in Ireland but two supporters based in Eastern Europe “help out”.
It also confirmed a member of its social media team is based in Germany.
Sinn Féin did not provide any details on what work its overseas supporters did.
It came after Fine Gael Senator John Cummins called on the party to explain why its Facebook accounts were being managed by people in Serbia and Germany.
Leader Mary Lou Mcdonald’s account, along with those of several party TDS, are managed by people outside Ireland, according to political transparency information on Facebook.
Mr Cummins said Sinn Féin had “serious questions” to answer about why its social media accounts were being managed by people outside Ireland.
“The main Sinn Féin Ireland page is managed by numerous administrators including two based in Serbia and one in Germany. Data from Sinn Féin’s Facebook ad library shows 26 out of 37 of its Dáil representatives have a German-based Facebook administrator,” he said.
“Why is it necessary that party leader, Deputy Mary Lou McDonald, has a Facebook account which is also managed in Germany?
“Why is the page of Northern leader, Deputy First Minister Michelle O’neill, overseen by someone in Serbia?”
Mr Cummins said he planned to raise the issue with Facebook when it comes before an Oireachtas Committee today to discuss electoral reform.
“The party must also outline how these services are paid for. As they are outside the State, it is impossible for a regulatory body in Ireland to monitor this aspect of their digital operation, both from the perspective of the direct advertising media spend and any associated fees,” he added.