Michael Lowry

The Moriarty Tribunal concluded that it was 'beyond doubt' that Lowry had passed substantial information to Denis O'Brien which assisted in securing the second mobile licence, and that subsequent payments/benefits were demonstrably linked to his conduct in the process. The report also examined English property transactions financed through these arrangements. In March 2026, the DPP decided that no criminal charges would be brought.

State of the evidence

official Moriarty Tribunal findings, consistently disputed by Lowry and O'Brien; 2026 DPP decision documented

Legal status — source text

non-criminal tribunal of inquiry; DPP in March 2026: no criminal prosecution of Lowry

Attribution

personal responsibility according to the tribunal's findings; no criminal guilt established

After negotiating the government programme and pledging his group's support for the coalition, Lowry sought to obtain speaking rights normally associated with the opposition for certain pro-government independents. The dispute disrupted the functioning of the Dáil for several weeks.

State of the evidence

government support agreement and procedural controversy documented

Legal status — source text

Ceann Comhairle ruling: Lowry's group could not form an opposition technical group in that form

Attribution

personal political responsibility as negotiator and leader of the Regional Independent Group

Lowry was found guilty of submitting an incorrect corporation tax return for 2006 and failing to maintain Garuda's books properly, in a case involving a commission from Norpe OY directed to a third party on the Isle of Man.

State of the evidence

guilty verdict and sentence documented

Legal status — source text

15,000 € fine and disqualification from acting as a company director for three years

Attribution

personal criminal liability established for two Garuda-related offences

Lowry was one of the most prominent supporters of a 460 M€ complex proposed at Two-Mile-Borris, comprising a casino, hotel and racecourse. An Taisce considered it incompatible with sustainable development policies and challenged the planning permission.

State of the evidence

public support and planning objections documented

Legal status — source text

planning proceedings; no personal offence by Lowry established

Attribution

political responsibility for publicly promoting the project, not for the developer's actions

Lowry left the government in November 1996 following revelations that Dunnes Stores had paid approximately £208,000 for work on his house. Wider evidence concerning payments by Ben Dunne was subsequently examined publicly.

State of the evidence

payments and resignation documented; subsequent debate before tribunals of inquiry

Legal status — source text

no personal criminal conviction associated with this episode

Attribution

personal responsibility for the financial relationship and political responsibility for his resignation