Simon Harris and Micheál Martin say they are happy to work with Michael Lowry

Taoiseach says he accepted findings of Moriarty tribunal but that he knows ‘the practicalities of how the Dáil works’

Independent TD Michael Lowry at Leinster House on the first day of sitting of the 34th Dáil last month. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
Independent TD Michael Lowry at Leinster House on the first day of sitting of the 34th Dáil last month. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times

Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin have both said they are happy to work with Tipperary Independent TD Michael Lowry, despite the findings of the Moriarty tribunal in 2011, as they seek to conclude agreement on a new government by January 22nd.

Mr Harris said yesterday he “fully accepted” the findings of the Moriarty tribunal and the votes of the Dáil previously about Mr Lowry, but he would continue to work with the group of Independent TDs co-ordinated by the Tipperary TD.

“I take very seriously the work of the tribunal and fully accept its findings, and indeed the views articulated by all parties in the Dáil, including my own, at that time, and they are serious measures,” Mr Harris said.

But he added: “I also know the practicalities of how the Dáil works and that when people get elected they can choose to support or not support governments, and that’s the way our democracy, our parliamentary democracy, works. And the deputy has been elected.

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“But my issue here isn’t about individuals,” Mr Harris said. “It’s about recognising that there are a number of Independent TDs who have come together in a group … and they have indicated that they wish to try and support a government, and we’re happy to engage with them on that basis.”

Fintan O’Toole: It’s a national indignity that the new government will rely on Michael LowryOpens in new window ]

In a statement, Mr Martin said: “Michael Lowry has been elected by the people of Tipperary three times since 2016, and he has supported governments in every Dáil since then. In that light, in the interests of forming a stable government following the general election, we will meet with Michael Lowry about support for a potential coalition agreement.”

The Moriarty tribunal, formally called the Tribunal of Inquiry into Payments to Politicians and Related Matters, undertook an investigation into the 1995 awarding of the State’s second mobile phone licence to Denis O’Brien’s company, Esat Digifone. Mr O’Brien has always rejected outright the tribunal’s 2011 report and its conclusion that he gave money to Mr Lowry, who “secured the winning” of the second licence for him. Mr Lowry, then a Fine Gael minister, also dismissed the tribunal’s report and its findings on one of the most lucrative State licences ever awarded.

Mr Harris also played down comments he made about US president-elect Donald Trump back in 2020 on a radio programme when he called Mr Trump “an awful gowl”, saying it was a “light-hearted” exchange.

“No, let me explain to people, that it’s an Irish phrase. It was said in a light-hearted manner, but let me very clear: President Trump won the election,” he said.

He said he has already spoken to Mr Trump, and looked forward to further engagement.

Talks between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael negotiators continued yesterday, focusing on health, disability and refugee accommodation.

The Social Democrats said they had “major policy differences” with the two parties. They have not yet formally left the government-formation process, though there is no expectation they will play any role in coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the two Healy-Rae brothers will seek a super-junior ministerial position if they strike a deal with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to enter a coalition government, sources close to the two Kerry TDs have disclosed.

Michael Healy-Rae and his brother Danny have been holding talks with the two parties around government formation, which are separate to the negotiations involving the nine-strong group of regional Independents.

Pat Leahy

Pat Leahy

Pat Leahy is Political Editor of The Irish Times

Jack Horgan-Jones

Jack Horgan-Jones

Jack Horgan-Jones is a Political Correspondent with The Irish Times

Harry McGee

Harry McGee

Harry McGee is a Political Correspondent with The Irish Times