O’Brien fails in bid to change standard of proof

BUSINESSMAN Denis O’Brien has failed to persuade the Moriarty Tribunal to upgrade the standard of proof applying to its next report.

Due out shortly, the report by Mr Justice Michael Moriarty will make findings relating to the country’s second mobile phone licence awarded in 1996 to Mr O’Brien’s Esat Digifone consortium.

At issue is whether former Communications Minister Michael Lowry received any financial assistance from Mr O’Brien, or in any way interfered in the awarding of the licence.