TD defends right to have access to Cabinet ministers

Independent TD Michael Lowry has defended his right to have access to ministersdespite damning Moriarty tribunal findings against him.

The disgraced Tipperary South representative confirmed leading delegations, including some businessmen, to meet several cabinet members in the past year butrefused to name names.

Mr Lowry said he made no apologies for securing access for constituents before lashing out at Labour Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton, who cautioned colleagues to reassess who they meet.