BREAKING: Michael Lowry issues statement after DPP decision on Moriarty Tribunal findings
Tipperary North TD, Michael Lowry, says: '
Tipperary North TD Michael Lowry has issued a statement after the Director of Public Prosecutions decided that there "will be no charges brought against him arising from the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal".
In a statement on Tuesday evening, Deputy Lowry said: "I welcome the formal decision of the DPP that there will be no charges brought against me arising from the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal.
"The Tribunal report, which was issued back in 2011, was always flawed, not being based on hard facts or admissible evidence, but on conjecture, manipulation and speculation.
"Its findings have allowed me to be subjected to repeated insults, smears and false allegations, with no legal remedy available to me.
"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.
"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.
"I fully cooperated with the Gardai and voluntarily met them and answered all questions. After the Gardai finished their extensive investigation, a file was sent to the DPP in late 2024.
"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.
"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.
"I want to thank my family and friends for their resolute, encouragement and kindness throughout many difficult years.
"I will be forever grateful to the people of Tipperary and North Kilkenny for the unwavering faith and trust they placed in me."