O'Brien 'thought about' helping Lowry's business

Former Esat boss Denis O'Brien has told the Moriarty Tribunal he considered helping former Communications Minister Michael Lowry when the latter's business was in trouble, but decided against it.

Mr O'Brien said he had only "a brief thought" to come to Mr Lowry's aid towards the end of 1996.

Around this time, he mentioned to then Esat chief executive, Barry Maloney, that he had to pay out £200,000, half of it to Mr Lowry.

Mr O'Brien admits making the comments, but claims it was just a joke and that he never acted upon it.