Lowry should put the country before career

Last week, there was considerable public discussion as to whether Michael Lowry TD would be an acceptable ally for any potential minority Government that might emerge after the next general election.

I outlined my position in a statement to local newspapers which said that regardless of the popularity which Deputy Lowry may enjoy in the county, no government, of any composition, can enter into an agreement with someone who was the subject of a censure motion which stated that the conduct of Michael Lowry, as set out in the Moriarty Tribunal Report, was “completely unacceptable” and that he should resign voluntarily his Dáil membership.

However, Wednesday’s High Court ruling by Judge Hedigan raises further questions about Michael Lowry’s fitness to serve as a member of Dáil Éireann. According to Judge Hedigan, Michael Lowry engaged in a “litany of falsification and deception” — including the falsification of a solicitor’s files — in his failure to co-operate with the Moriarty Tribunal.