Michael Lowry 'absolutely happy' to lead Regional Independents in Government talks

Michael Lowry has denied all wrongdoing and in a statement said that he learned about the file being sent to the DPP through newspaper reports. Picture: LeonFarrell/RollingNews.ie

Independent TD Michael Lowry has said he is happy to lead the Regional Independents in talks to form the next government, after a file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions on the Moriarty Tribunal yesterday.

Negotiations are now taking place between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and the Regional Independents to form the next government, with the latter formally entering the talks on Friday.

Gardaí confirmed that the file of the investigation — 14 years after it commenced — has been sent to the DPP, but declined to comment further.

The tribunal itself was established in 1997 to examine payments made to former taoiseach Charles Haughey and to Michael Lowry, an independent TD for Tipperary North and former Cabinet minister.

Questioned if he was satisfied that he would not be an impediment and if he would continue to lead the negotiations, Mr Lowry said: “I’m absolutely happy, I’m resolute and we’re very determined that we’re going in here to do the best we can for the people who elected us to represent them here in Dáil Éireann.” 

On Thursday, both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste rejected any assertions that Mr Lowry would be a “kingmaker” in forming the next government.

In particular, Tánaiste Micheál Martin declined to say whether or not he believed Mr Lowry was a man of integrity.

Pressed on it, Mr Martin said that he could not comment due to the investigation, but admitted that the file being sent to the DPP created issues that are “to be reflected upon”.

Mr Lowry has denied all wrongdoing and in a statement said that he learned about the file being sent to the DPP through newspaper reports.

He said that last year he had "received a request for assistance from An Garda Síochána" and had "freely, voluntarily and willingly" met with them on one occasion and was "fully cooperative".

Newly elected Dublin Bay North TD Barry Heneghan said that the Regional Independents are a “great group of experienced TDs”. 

“Everyone at the table really wants the best for the Irish people,” Mr Heneghan said.

“We’ve a lot of key issues that we’ve highlighted and we’re doing our best to get it over the line for the Irish people.” 

Earlier on Friday, the Regional Group formally agreed on their policy platform for negotiations, with Mr Lowry, Sean Canney and Marian Harkin set to lead their negotiation team.

Group sources have indicated that it deals with national issues, rather than specific focuses on individual constituencies. In particular, the group is said to be particularly focused on both housing and health.