High Court challenge to Moriarty probe decision

BUSINESSMAN Denis O’Brien has brought a High Court challenge to the Moriarty Tribunal’s decision to hold public hearings into a purchase made by a company under his control and possible connections to former minister Michael Lowry.

A company controlled by the O’Brien family trust bought Doncaster Rovers Football Club in 1998.

Both Mr O’Brien and Mr Lowry have denied Mr Lowry had any involvement in the club’s purchase.

Mr O’Brien said he had “nothing to hide” in relation to the Doncaster transaction but was opposed to his private business dealings being examined by the tribunal when, he says, there is no evidence to back the tribunal’s decision.

He said crucial witnesses will not be available and his name and reputation would be damaged.

He also claims the proposed inquiry is outside the tribunal’s terms of reference as the purchase occurred after it was established.

In opposing the application, the tribunal argues that the proposed inquiry is within its terms of reference and that there is sufficient evidence to justify the decision to hold that inquiry.

The judicial review proceedings opened yesterday before Mr Justice Henry Abbott and are expected to last several days.