Tipperary TD who topped poll in north-west Kilkenny says he won’t face charges

A Tipperary TD who topped the poll in north-west Kilkenny in the most recent General Election has said he will face no charges after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided not to pursue a case arising from the Moriarty Tribunal.

In a statement published on Tuesday evening, the TD said he welcomed the “decision of the DPP that there will be no charges brought against me arising from the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal.”

He said the tribunal report, published in 2011, had been flawed, “not being based on hard facts or admissible evidence, but on conjecture, manipulation and speculation.”

He said the report’s findings had led to years of allegations against him.

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“Its findings have allowed me to be subjected to repeated insults, smears and false allegations, with no legal remedy available to me,” he said.

“Even though its findings are legally sterile, as the Supreme Court have pronounced, it has deprived me of any ability to defend myself from repeated character assassination and attacks on my reputation.”

He also outlined the length of the tribunal and subsequent investigation: “The Tribunal took 14 years from the start to its final report. The full report was referred to An Garda Siochana for investigation. That investigation took 13 years. The time and complexity of such an investigation is unique.”

He further said he had cooperated fully with the garda investigation 'and voluntarily met them and answered all questions'.

“After the gardaí finished their extensive investigation, a file was sent to the DPP in late 2024,” he continued.

“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.”

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He said the decision meant there would be no charges arising from the awarding of a licence referenced in the tribunal.

“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,” he added, before giving final thanks to his supporters and family.

“I want to thank my family and friends for their resolute, encouragement and kindness throughout many difficult years," he said.

“I will be forever grateful to the people of Tipperary and North Kilkenny for the unwavering faith and trust they placed in me.”

What was the Moriarty Tribunal?

The Moriarty Tribunal investigated payments to politicians and the awarding of Ireland’s second mobile phone licence, including issues involving Michael Lowry.

Chaired by Mr Justice Michael Moriarty, the tribunal examined allegations that businessmen had made payments or provided financial benefits to politicians and whether any political decisions were influenced by those payments.

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After the report was published, it was referred to An Garda Síochána for investigation, which later resulted in a file being sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider whether any criminal charges should arise from the tribunal’s findings.

Lowry's new-found influence in Kilkenny

After being elected a TD by topping the poll in the newly draw constituency of Tipperary North - North West Kilkenny in General Election 2024, Lowry thanked Kilkenny voters for their support.

“I concentrated a lot myself on north Kilkenny,” he explained.

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“It was new to North Tipperary. They were very disillusioned and unhappy with the fact that they had to vote for Tipperary candidates, and I suppose I have the distinction of being the first Tipperary man to head the poll in all the north Kilkenny boxes.”

Garda Statement

Gardaí have since confirmed in a statement that the DPP 'has directed no prosecution in respect of this matter' and 'would not be commenting further'.

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