O'Brien stays away from Moriarty again

Former Esat boss Denis O'Brien has again failed to show up at the Moriarty Tribunal.

He has informed the inquiry that he is going to stay in London for at least a week with his wife.

Mr O'Brien's wife has just given birth and he flew to be with her on Friday after she began experiencing difficulties.

His solicitors said he was extremely distressed that he had to disclose this to the tribunal and his wife is upset at the intrusion into her privacy.

Tribunal lawyers said that they cannot continue with their work until Mr O'Brien takes the stand.

He was due to answer questions regarding alleged payments to former Communications Minister Michael Lowry.