Michael Lowry: No Charges After DPP Review of Moriarty Tribunal Findings

Lowry Receives DPP Decision: No Charges Following Moriarty Tribunal Findings

Independent TD Michael Lowry has received confirmation from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that no charges will be brought against him stemming from the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal. The decision, announced today, closes a chapter on a lengthy investigation into payments made to the former minister and his relationship with businessman Denis O’Brien. Lowry, in a statement released this evening, described the tribunal’s 2011 report as “flawed” and lamented the “repeated insults, smears and false allegations” he says it engendered. This development comes after a file was submitted to the DPP by An Garda Síochána, some 14 years after the tribunal published its final report.

The Core of the Matter: Mobile Phone Licenses and Payments

The Moriarty Tribunal, officially known as the Tribunal of Inquiry into certain Payments to Politicians and Related Matters, was established in 1997 to investigate financial dealings involving politicians Charles Haughey and Michael Lowry. The tribunal’s focus eventually centered on payments made to Lowry and his connection to Denis O’Brien’s Esat Digifone, which successfully secured one of Ireland’s initial mobile phone licenses. The central finding of the tribunal, published in March 2011, was that Lowry “secured the winning” of the license for Esat Digifone. The report also determined that payments received by Lowry from O’Brien were “demonstrably referable” to his role in the licensing process. The tribunal ultimately cost over €68 million.

What the Tribunal Found: A Disgraceful and Insidious Role

The tribunal’s report was highly critical of Lowry’s conduct, describing his role as “disgraceful and insidious.” It concluded that Lowry imparted significant, valuable information to O’Brien, aiding his bid for the mobile phone license. Both Lowry and O’Brien have consistently disputed these findings. The report detailed how Lowry benefited financially from O’Brien, with the tribunal unable to determine the ultimate source of the funds. The findings sparked public outcry and fueled calls for accountability, ultimately leading to the criminal investigation that has now concluded without charges.

Confirmed vs. Unclear: The Current Status

Confirmed: The DPP has directed that no charges be brought against Michael Lowry in relation to the Moriarty Tribunal findings. Lowry has fully cooperated with Gardaí throughout the investigation. The tribunal report definitively found a link between Lowry’s actions and Esat Digifone’s successful license bid.

Unclear: The specific details of the Garda file submitted to the DPP remain undisclosed. It’s not known what recommendations, if any, were included in the file regarding potential charges. The exact reasoning behind the DPP’s decision not to prosecute has not been publicly released. The full extent of financial transactions between Lowry and O’Brien and the source of those funds, remains a point of contention.

Background: From Dunnes Stores to the Tribunal

The origins of the Moriarty Tribunal can be traced back to revelations concerning payments made by Ben Dunne, of the Dunnes Stores retail group, to Charles Haughey and Michael Lowry. These payments came to light following a change in management at Dunnes Stores. The initial investigation, known as the McCracken Inquiry, was established in 1997 by the Bruton Government to examine these payments and uncovered evidence of secret Ansbacher accounts held by Haughey. The subsequent Ahern Government then established the Moriarty Tribunal in September 1997 as a follow-up inquiry, broadening the scope to encompass a wider range of payments to politicians and related matters. The tribunal sat in Dublin Castle throughout its lengthy investigation.

Lowry’s Response: A Vindication After Years of Allegations

In his statement, Lowry emphasized his full cooperation with authorities and expressed relief at the DPP’s decision. He reiterated his belief that the tribunal’s report was fundamentally flawed and that the findings had subjected him to years of unwarranted criticism. He specifically stated that he faces no charges of corruption, misfeasance in public office, personal gain, or bribery. Lowry also thanked his family, friends, and constituents for their continued support. Lowry’s statement was released shortly after the DPP’s decision became public.

What Happens Next? Political Implications and Future Scrutiny

While the DPP’s decision closes the criminal investigation, the political fallout from the Moriarty Tribunal’s findings is likely to continue. Lowry, currently an Independent TD for Tipperary North, is involved in negotiations with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael as part of the Regional Independents group. This decision may strengthen his position within those negotiations. The findings of the tribunal, and the subsequent DPP decision, will likely be a topic of debate within Irish politics for some time to come. The case also raises broader questions about transparency in political funding and the potential for conflicts of interest.

The DPP’s decision does not invalidate the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal. The report remains a matter of public record and continues to be subject to scrutiny and debate. It is unlikely that this marks the definitive end of the story surrounding the Moriarty Tribunal and its impact on Irish politics.