Michael Lowry says no charges over Moriarty Tribunal findings

Michael Lowry has said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has decided against bringing charges against him arising from the Moriarty Tribunal.

The Independent TD described the tribunal report as “flawed” and based on “conjecture, manipulation and speculation”.

Gardai confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that the DPP “has directed no prosecution in respect of this matter”.

Gardai added they would “not be commenting further”.

The Moriarty Tribunal was established in September 1997 to examine payments to former taoiseach Charles Haughey and Mr Lowry.

The tribunal’s final report was published in March 2011 and found that Mr Lowry, a former Fine Gael minister, helped businessman Denis O’Brien secure the State’s second mobile phone licence in 1995.

It also criticised the TD’s behaviour as “profoundly corrupt to a degree that was nothing short of breathtaking”.

In his statement on Facebook on Tuesday evening, Mr Lowry said: “Its findings have allowed me to be subjected to repeated insults, smears and false allegations, with no legal remedy available to me.”

He said: “It has deprived me of any ability to defend myself from repeated character assassination and attacks on my reputation.”

He described how the whole process has taken almost 30 years, with the tribunal lasting 14 years from “the start to its final report” followed by a 13-year Garda investigation.

Throughout it he “fully co-operated with the Gardai and voluntarily met them and answered all questions”, he said.

He said a file was sent to the DPP in late 2024 and added: “Now 15 months later, the DPP, the State’s Independent Prosecutor, having fully and carefully reviewed the file, has issued a direction that there will be no prosecution of me.”

He said: “Despite the unfair and unfounded opinions of the Moriarty Report, there are no charges being brought against me arising from the award of the licence; no charge of corruption, or misfeasance in public office; no charges of personal gain or bribery on my part.”

The TD for Tipperary North has held his seat from 1989, becoming independent in 1997.

Following the 2024 general election he led the Regional Independents group in government formation talks.

In his statement, Mr Lowry thanked his family and friends for their “encouragement and kindness throughout many difficult years”.

And said he was “forever grateful” to “the people of Tipperary and North Kilkenny for the unwavering faith and trust they placed in me”.

The DPP has been contacted for comment.