Lowry and O’Brien considered joint payoff

A joint settlement by businessman Denis O’Brien and Independent TD Michael Lowry with land agent Kevin Phelan was considered two months before they struck separate deals with him, it has emerged.

In June 2002, Mr O’Brien’s solicitor warned against Mr Lowry having any part in a large “global payment” because it could suggest a connection between them.

It recently emerged that Mr Lowry paid Mr Phelan £248,624 on Aug 28, 2002. Six days earlier, Mr O’Brien separately settled his account for £150,000.