Kildare Cllr Tom Mc Donnell Labels Sinn Fein as “Traitors” and Speaks about Irish Flags being torn down in Waterford

Kildare / Newbridge Cllr Tom Mc Donnell has sparked controversy following the release of a video recorded in the Waterford area, in which he strongly criticised Sinn Féin and addressed a recent incident involving Ireland’s national flag.

In the video, shared online yesterday, Cllr McDonnell referred to Sinn Féin as “traitors,” accusing the party of failing to defend Irish identity and sovereignty. His remarks were made in the context of an incident in Waterford City in which the Irish tricolour was torn down from a post.

Cllr Mc Donnell claimed that the individual responsible for removing the flag was a foreign national and widely shared images online capturing one of the incidents point to Cllr McDonnell being correct and described the act as deeply disrespectful to the State and its people. He stated that the tricolour represents the history, sacrifices, and unity of the Irish nation, and said that any attack on it should be treated with seriousness.

During the video, he further expressed anger at what he described as a lack of political will to address such incidents, reiterating his belief that certain political parties are failing to stand up for Irish citizens and national symbols.

The incident involving the removal of the flag has generated strong reactions online from public opinion. While some have echoed Cllr McDonnell’s concerns regarding respect for national symbols, others have criticised the tone of his comments and warned against inflaming tensions.

As of the time of publication, no official statement has been issued by Sinn Féin in response to Cllr McDonnell’s remarks, and it remains unclear whether any formal investigation into the flag incident in Waterford is ongoing.

Aaron Joyce

Newswire, L.T.T Media

Newsdesk

22 December 2025