Michael Lowry lashes out at media 'over-consumed by the Moriarty Tribunal'

'You’ve also tried to undermine the mandate that I’ve got,' the Tipperary Independent TD told reporters outside Leinster House

Independent TD Michael Lowry: 'I also enjoy the confidence of the Taoiseach and Tánaiste in the negotiations that I’ve had because, unlike you [the media] they respected the mandate that I have from the people.' Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

Tipperary Independent TD Michael Lowry has accused the media of being “over-consumed” by the Moriarty Tribunal, as the Regional Independents confirm their new ministers.

Agreement between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, the Regional Independents, and the Healy-Raes was reached on Tuesday, with all parties to the deal set to begin the ratification process.

However, as the Regional Independent Group appeared on the plinth outside Leinster House to answer questions on the deal, attention turned to the Moriarty Tribunal and Mr Lowry’s involvement in it. 

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

It returned to focus in recent weeks, after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) received a file from gardaí on the tribunal.

Mr Lowry has always denied any wrongdoing. 

Asked about the tribunal, Mr Lowry accused newspapers of trying to “undermine” his position in government negotiations.

The media have been over consumed of this and you [the media] have given the past month trying to undermine my position. 

"You’ve also tried to undermine the mandate that I’ve got, the very strong mandate that I’ve got from the people of Tipperary and North Kilkenny,” Mr Lowry said.

He accused one journalist of “ranting” over the last month while saying he had the confidence of the Regional Independent Group.

“I also enjoy the confidence of the Taoiseach and Tánaiste in the negotiations that I’ve had because, unlike you, they respected the mandate that I have from the people.” 

Mr Lowry said TDs are only able to take up their seats if they receive a mandate from the public. 

Unfortunately if it doesn’t please some of you [the media], that’s your problem, not mine.

The Tipperary North TD was also backed by Noel Grealish — who is set to take up a super junior ministry in the Department of Agriculture — saying that Mr Lowry had done an “excellent job” in negotiations. 

“He has a mandate to come here and he has a mandate to work for his people,” Mr Grealish said.

The Regional Independents then declined to take further questions and left the plinth.

However, earlier in the press conference, Mr Lowry confirmed a number of the posts that would be taken up by TDs in their groups.

Also joining Mr Grealish as a super junior minister, Galway East TD Seán Canney is due to hold office in the Department of Transport, with responsibility for roads and rail networks.

Mr Canney is due to represent the Regional Independent Group on a weekly basis at meetings with the leaders of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

Sligo-Leitrim TD Marian Harkin is due to take up a junior ministry at the Department of Higher Education, while Longford-Westmeath TD Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran will take up his junior ministry at the Office of Public Works.

Meanwhile, in a joint statement, Mr Harris and Mr Martin welcomed the agreement which will now be the subject of approval by the party memberships over the coming days.

"This will then clear the way for the nomination of a Taoiseach when the Dáil returns on January 22 and the formation of the 35th Government of Ireland. The agreement comes following negotiations by teams from Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, the Regional Independent Group.

"Both party leaders today said the focus was on a strong and stable government to deliver continued progress on the economy, infrastructure, housing and public services over the coming years.

"If agreed, the leaders said, the two parties will work together — along with their Independent colleagues — to deliver for families and tackle the challenges facing the country."