Lowry claims contradict own evidence

Confirmation from Independent TD Michael Lowry that he paid up to £250,000 (€285,000) to a land agent directly contradicts evidence he supplied to the Moriarty Tribunal.

Mr Lowry told the tribunal he only ever agreed a £65,000 settlement — and that it related to Vineacre Ltd, an English property firm in which he had a 50% share. However, in a statement last night, following the publication of transcripts from a taped conversation between Mr Lowry and the agent Kevin Phelan, he gave a different version.

This statement said another payment, referred to in a Sunday Independent article, was made on his behalf by his Irish firm, Garuda Limited. “That transaction was properly recorded and accounted for in the records and accounts of Garuda Limited,” said the statement. “The payment referred to is fully tax compliant… I never had any direct or indirect shareholding or beneficial interest in Doncaster Rovers or its associated companies.”