Comcast drops legal proceedings over state phone license against Tipperary TD

Comcast, the group which bid for the second national mobile phone contract in 1996, has withdrawn its legal proceedings challenging Tipperary TD Michael Lowry and business mogul Denis O’Brien.

The telecommunications company applied to the High Court to withdraw its case against the Tipperary North TD, who at the time was Minister for Communications, as well as against Denis O’Brien, his company Esat Digifone, and the state.

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Speaking on the matter, Deputy Lowry said: “I am pleased that the two sets of High Court proceedings initiated against me over 25 years ago by the international media giant, Comcast International are discontinued with immediate effect.

“I am happy that Comcast have agreed to discharge my costs in this case. After extensive discovery, prolonged investigation, intense scrutiny with a lengthy and costly legal process my stated position has been validated.

“From the outset I have consistently rejected the Moriarty Tribunal findings. The report is deeply flawed and manifestly unfair to me and a host of professional civil servants. The Tribunal opinions are not substantiated by facts.

“The assessment and award process was fair, impartial, lawful, and the withdrawal by Comcast international is evidence of this fact. It is a justification of my repeatedly stated position that there was no wrongdoing in relation to the award of the mobile telephone license in 1996.

“Evidence to the Tribunal by key witnesses was ignored including that of the independent consultant who stated clearly and unambiguously under Oath, that there was no interference or impropriety by me as the then Minister in the conduct of the licence process.

“This termination of the challenge by media giants Comcast represents a vindication for the proper, professional and dedicated work carried out by the department officials at the time, who have suffered repeated slurs on their reputation despite fulfilling their duties with independence and professionalism.

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“In this case taken against me personally by Comcast I have successfully delivered a full defence and proof of no impropriety. I also successfully challenged Moriarty’s cost rulings which was overturned by the Court of Appeal.

“The remaining legal challenge by Persona will continue to be defended with the same vigour and certainty,” concluded Deputy Lowry.