Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould ‘shocked and angry’ at fraud complaint

A Sinn Fein TD has said he is “shocked and angry” about a complaint of alleged fraud made against him.

Cork North Central TD Thomas Gould added that he is “entirely innocent”.

The Irish Times reported on Saturday that a member of the Oireachtas had been arrested and questioned by gardai about an alleged business fraud almost a decade ago.

In a statement issued by his solicitor Mr Gould said he “utterly rejects complaint made against him” by a former employer.

He said he is confident that his position “will be vindicated” after meeting investigating gardai and providing a detailed statement.

Mr Gould said the situation has arisen while he is undergoing treatment for bowel cancer.

“When this matter was brought to my attention I was shocked and angry. I am entirely innocent and reject the complaint which my former employer has made against me,” he said.

“Despite my ongoing treatment for bowel cancer I proactively requested that my interview with gardai happen quickly rather than when my treatment concluded as I consider this to be a serious attack on my reputation.

“Yesterday I attended by arrangement with the gardai for interview. I am confident that my position will be vindicated having met with the investigating gardai where I made a detailed statement.

“The complaint made against me relates to my employment as a logistics manager before I was elected to the Dail 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 prevented from making any further comment while the gardai continue with their work.”

Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald said Mr Gould “emphatically denies the allegation”.

“In early February, Deputy Thomas Gould informed the party that a complaint had been made against him to the gardai and that he had been asked to make a statement on the matter,” she said.

“He was interviewed by gardai in Cork yesterday and made a detailed statement to them.

“We understand that a number of other people have been questioned as part of Garda inquiries.

“It is now for the gardai to continue their investigation into the complaint.”

A Garda spokesperson said in a statement: “As part of an ongoing investigation into fraud offences, gardai in Co Cork arrested and detained a man yesterday, Friday 7 March 2025.

“He was released without charge on the evening of 7 March 2025.

“Investigations are ongoing.”