Lowry fails in bid to halt incorrect tax returns trial

Independent Tipperary TD Michael Lowry has failed in his bid to have his trial halted for allegedly filing incorrect tax returns.

A challenge by the former Fine Gael minister to the case being transferred to Dublin has also been rejected.

The 60-year-old of Glenreigh Holycross is facing five charges, including knowingly filing incorrect tax returns on dates between 2003 and 2007

In the 14 page judgement at Clonmel Circuit Court today Judge Tom Teehan said he could find no reason to stay the trial.

The judge stated the so-called "Lowry tapes" - published in a number of newspaper articles last year - did not form part of the investigation.

Lowry’s legal team had claimed they irreparably damaged their client.

However, Judge Teehan said this was "not borne out" by the examples presented in court - adding one Sunday Independent headline which read “Lowry Tax Probe now Criminal - Revenue", was true and accurate as well as no more damaging than a similar assertion relating to any person under criminal investigation.

In regards to Mr Lowry's efforts to stop the trial being moved to Dublin Judge Teehan referred to the near 30% of the Tipperary jury panel who would have voted for him and that it seemed to him the possibility of objective bias could not be avoided even if the most careful precautions were taken.