Moriarty slams attack on Tribunal's work

The chairman of the Moriarty Tribunal has issued an unprecedented statement defending the tribunal and hitting back at what he described as "a sustained attack on its work".

Mr Justice Michael Moriarty said he wanted to make it clear that recent criticisms of the tribunal would not inhibit him from reporting on the facts without fear or favour.

He said his report will be based solely on evidence heard at public sittings of the Tribunal, and not on speculation or allegations.

The Tribunal is investigating the awarding of a mobile phone licence to businessman Denis O'Brien by the Government department headed up by Michael Lowry, both of whom have made criticisms of the tribunal in recent times.