Lowry denies knowledge of property deal letters

FORMER minister Michael Lowry insisted yesterday he knew nothing about radically different versions of two letters which Moriarty Tribunal lawyers allege were intended to conceal his true role in a British property deal.

Britain-based solicitor Christopher Vaughan made three references to a “Michael” in his letter, dated

September 5, 2000, to property agent Kevin Phelan, of Omagh, Co Tyrone, regarding the stg£445,000 Cheadle property. Mr Lowry told the tribunal: “If it refers to me, it’s a mistaken impression.” He said he was not happy that Mr Vaughan confused his position and he had no knowledge of the letters. The letter, recently given to the tribunal by an Irish Times journalist, said “Michael wants to own the property in his own name for a month prior to the sale to Thistlewood Estates.”