Lowry denies interfering with mobile phone competition

Former Minister Micheal Lowry has again denied interfering with or influencing the awarding of Ireland's second mobile phone licence.

Mr Lowry reiterated his denial during a 90-minute appearance at the Moriarty Tribunal investigating payments to the former Fine Gael and ex-Taoiseach Charles Haughey.

The tribunal is currently focusing on the 1995 competition for Ireland's second mobile phone licence, which was won by the ESAT consortium led by businessman Denis O'Brien.

Mr Lowry was Minister for Communications at the time and the competition has been shrouded in controversy due to his relationship with Mr O'Brien.