Lowry resignation cannot be enforced, says Reilly

A senior Fine Gael Minister said today it is not possible to force Michael Lowry to resign, despite the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal.

Minister for Health James Reilly said in an ideal world it would be better if the Tipperary North TD stepped down from his position.

Dr Reilly said the assessment of the report into the awarding of Ireland's second mobile licence by Gardaí and the DPP is a positive development.

However Minister Reilly stated it is unlikely that Michael Lowry can be forced to resign: "It's very difficult to see how we could enforce him (Mr Lowry) to step down…any legislation that could be brought to achieve that would be fraught with difficulty because it would be very serious to interfering with the constitutional situation. "