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.

The judge found that former Taoiseach, Charles Haughey, did not “deliberately mislead the tribunal whereas Mr Lowry did”.

Unfortunately, Michael Lowry does not accept the report of the Moriarty Tribunal. Nor does he accept the decision of Judge Hedigan or the Dáil motion of censure.

While I have great respect for anyone who puts themselves before the people in an election and have personal sympathy for those going through periods of great stress, I am equally conscious of the sacrifices made by our Founding Fathers in this, the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising.

Many in Tipperary are proud of the contribution of the poet and politician, Thomas McDonagh, a signatory of the 1916 Proclamation and one of the men executed in its aftermath.

While a debate over the justifications for the Easter Rising may rage in the media, there is a general acceptance that the actions of revolutionaries, like McDonagh, were motivated by the highest ideals.

Their selflessness contrasts most favourably with the cynicism of Deputy Lowry who has protested his innocence, yet has failed to challenge the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal in the courts.

It is long past time for him to put his country before his political career. Our people deserve no less.

Marie Murphy

Fine Gael Candidate for the Tipperary Constituency