Show summary Hide summary
Gardaí are investigating an alleged sexual assault reported after the Aontú Ard Fheis held in Co. Meath in May 2025. The complaint, made to officers in January, involves two male party members and has prompted an internal and criminal inquiry.
What has been reported
According to published accounts, a male attendee of the Ard Fheis on 24 May 2025 gave a statement to Gardaí in January alleging he was sexually assaulted by another male member of the party. Both men were serving members of Aontú at the time.
Would you book an overseas break just to spend it in bed?
Baz Ashmawy on growing up without a father figure
Gardaí have confirmed that enquiries are ongoing. Sources say officers are assessing the credibility of the complainant’s account as part of their review.
Allegations and the accused’s response
The complaint reportedly describes unsolicited approaches at the event, including alleged inappropriate touching of the complainant’s leg. The man accused has vigorously denied the claims and says no interaction took place.
He is understood to be considering a counter-complaint alleging the allegation against him was false. Making a knowingly false statement that an offence occurred is a criminal offence under section 12 of the Criminal Justice Act.
How Gardaí are handling the case
Garda sources told reporters they are keeping an open mind while they investigate. One source described the allegation as falling towards the lower end of the spectrum for sexual offences but stressed that all complaints receive attention.
At this stage, investigators say the matter largely rests on competing accounts and that, without corroborating evidence, there may be insufficient material to refer to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a charging decision. Gardaí are also probing whether there was any motive behind the complaint, which officers say is standard practice in these enquiries.
Party reaction and wider context
Aontú has said it is aware of the Garda investigation and will co-operate fully. The party has publicly stood by the accused, describing him as a respected and well-liked member; for legal reasons his party role has not been disclosed, though he is not an elected representative.
The party currently lists roughly 2,500 registered members across the 32 counties.
This incident follows a separate controversy in which several members of Aontú’s youth wing, Ógra Aontú, were expelled after an unauthorised WhatsApp group used by younger members was found to contain racial slurs. The party leader, Peadar Tóibín, expelled six members in response to that episode.
