In December 2020, Stanley became embroiled in controversies over a number of tweets, originating with a tweet that referenced the Narrow Water Ambush by the IRA in 1979.[6][7] In response, Stanley offered apologies before deleting his Twitter account and asked for speaking time in Dáil Eireann to address the situation.[8] Another tweet made by Stanley about Leo Varadkar was criticised by Micheál Martin, saying the tweet had an "inference of homophobia."[9]