Michael Lowry’s Political Resurgence Amidst Controversial Past
Michael Lowry, the Autonomous TD for Tipperary and north kilkenny, has re-emerged as a pivotal figure in Irish politics, playing a central role in the recent government formation talks.However, his resurgence has reignited scrutiny over his past, particularly the findings of the 2011 Moriarty Tribunal, which cast a long shadow over his political career.
This week, Lowry’s frustration was palpable when questioned about his reputation considering the tribunal’s findings.Standing outside Leinster House, flanked by members of the Regional Independent Group, he defended his mandate, stating, “You’ve also tried to undermine the mandate that I’ve got, the very strong mandate that I’ve got from the people of Tipperary and north Kilkenny.”
Lowry’s role in the government formation talks has been nothing short of transformative. From a long-standing Independent TD, he has become a key architect of the incoming coalition government led by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.His support has provided the two parties with a robust majority, solidifying his position as a political powerbroker.
Despite not securing a ministerial position, Lowry’s influence is undeniable. He has led the Regional Independents through the negotiations, earning the confidence of both Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris. “I enjoy the confidence of my group and I also enjoy the confidence of the Taoiseach and Tánaiste in the negotiations I had,as unlike you they’ve respected the mandate that I have from the people,” he asserted.
Yet, Lowry’s past remains a contentious issue. In 2011,Micheál Martin,then leader of Fianna Fáil,was scathing in his criticism of Lowry following the publication of the Moriarty Tribunal findings. “This report is a deep indictment of the conduct of deputy Lowry,” Martin declared, labeling him a “rogue politician” and calling for his resignation from Dáil Éireann.
The Moriarty Tribunal: A Deep Dive
The Moriarty Tribunal, established in the late 1990s, investigated allegations of corruption in the awarding of Ireland’s second mobile phone license in 1996. At the time, Lowry was the Minister for Communications and a Fine Gael TD. The tribunal found it “beyond doubt” that Lowry imparted substantive details to businessman Denis O’Brien, which was “of significant value and assistance to him in securing” the license for Esat Digifone.
The tribunal also revealed that Lowry received payments from O’Brien through a series of “clandestine” property deals,totaling IR£147,000 in July 1996 and stg£300,000 in March 1999. These findings led to Lowry’s resignation as minister and his subsequent transition to an independent TD.
Lowry’s Political Comeback
Despite the tribunal’s damning conclusions, Lowry has remained a resilient figure in Irish politics. His recent role in government formation talks underscores his ability to navigate the complexities of coalition-building. His supporters argue that his mandate from the people of Tipperary and north Kilkenny speaks volumes about his enduring appeal.
However, critics question whether his past should disqualify him from wielding such influence. The Moriarty Tribunal’s findings remain a stain on his reputation, and his resurgence has reignited debates about accountability and openness in Irish politics.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Role in Government Talks | Led the Regional Independents, enabling Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael coalition. |
| Moriarty Tribunal Findings | Found Lowry received payments from Denis O’Brien through clandestine deals. |
| Political resilience | Remained an Independent TD despite calls for resignation. |
| Public Mandate | Strong support from constituents in Tipperary and north Kilkenny. |
A Complex Legacy
Michael Lowry’s political journey is a testament to his resilience and strategic acumen. While his role in government formation talks has cemented his position as a key player in Irish politics, the shadow of the Moriarty Tribunal continues to loom large.
As Ireland moves forward with its new coalition government,the debate over Lowry’s past and present influence is unlikely to fade. For now, he remains a figure of both admiration and controversy, embodying the complexities of political life in Ireland.
What do you think about Michael Lowry’s resurgence? Share your thoughts and join the conversation on Irish politics and government accountability.The Moriarty Tribunal: A Legacy of Questions and Controversy
Nearly three decades after the awarding of Ireland’s second mobile phone license, the findings of the Moriarty tribunal continue to cast a long shadow over irish politics. The tribunal, which investigated payments to politicians, including Michael Lowry, concluded that Mr. Lowry had engaged in ”cynical and venal abuse of office.” Yet, despite these damning findings, Mr. Lowry remains a central figure in Irish politics, raising questions about accountability and transparency.
The Tribunal’s Findings
The Moriarty Tribunal found that Mr. Lowry, during his tenure as a minister, had an “insidious and pervasive influence” on the bidding process for the mobile phone licence.It also concluded that he received the equivalent of a payment in the form of a £420,000 loan supported by Denis O’Brien in December 1999.
In a 2018 RTÉ documentary, Denis O’Brien – The Story So Far, Mr. Lowry dismissed the tribunal’s conclusions, calling them “phantom” and “not based on evidence.” He stated, “There was no magic pot of gold. The reason for that is it never existed.”
Similarly, Mr. O’Brien, in a 2011 interview on Six One News, vehemently denied any wrongdoing. “They looked at every bank account I had in the world …and they still couldn’t find a payment that I made to Michael Lowry because I never did,” he said. “Not one red cent went to Michael Lowry when he was minister, a government official, when he was a TD or a private citizen.”
The Aftermath
The tribunal’s findings led to a garda investigation, and earlier this month, a file was sent to the Director of Public prosecutions as government formation talks entered their final stages. Mr. Lowry has consistently maintained that there was “no wrongdoing or impropriety” attached to the award of the mobile phone licence.
However, the Opposition has raised concerns about Mr.lowry’s involvement in government formation negotiations. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald described the tribunal’s findings as “absolutely damning” and questioned why Fianna Fáil and Fine gael were negotiating with him.
“At what point did micheál Martin in particular decide that it was actually a good idea to form a government with Michael Lowry?” she asked.
People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy was equally critical, accusing Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael of negotiating with Mr.Lowry “despite the tribunal’s finding he engaged in ‘cynical and venal abuse of office’.”
A Persistent Controversy
Despite the passage of time, the controversy surrounding the Moriarty Tribunal and its findings refuses to fade. Both Taoiseach Leo varadkar and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin have defended their negotiations with Mr. Lowry, citing his mandate as a TD.
Yet, as the political landscape evolves, the questions raised by the tribunal remain unanswered.nearly 30 years after the licence was granted,the shadow of the Moriarty Tribunal continues to loom large over Irish politics.
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Tribunal Findings | Michael Lowry engaged in “cynical and venal abuse of office.” |
| Loan Controversy | Equivalent of a £420,000 loan supported by Denis O’Brien. |
| Current status | File sent to the Director of Public prosecutions in January 2025. |
| Political Reactions | Opposition criticizes Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael for negotiating with Lowry. |
The Moriarty Tribunal may have concluded its work, but its legacy continues to shape Ireland’s political discourse. As the nation moves forward, the questions it raised remain a stark reminder of the importance of accountability in public office.
