BREAKING: Tipperary TD Michael Lowry in fiery exchange with media

Independent TD for Tipperary North Michael Lowry has accused members of the media of trying to undermine his mandate.

Deputy Lowry, who acted as a negotiator for the Regional Independent Group which has agreed to enter into a coalition Government, criticised press coverage of the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal during formation talks.

The tribunal found that Deputy Lowry, a former Fine Gael TD, helped businessman Denis O’Brien secure the State’s second mobile phone licence in 1995. The tribunal also criticised his behaviour as “profoundly corrupt”.

Asked on Wednesday whether he could commit not to engage in similar behaviour again, Deputy Lowry said: “The media has been overconsumed by this. You have given the past month trying to undermine my position and the very strong mandate I got from the people of Tipperary and north Kilkenny.

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“You’ve been ranting for the last month in your publications. Let me say I enjoy the confidence of my group. I also enjoy the confidence of the Taoiseach and Tánaiste in the negotiations that I had.” He added: “Unlike you, they respected the mandate that I have from the people.”

Pressed on concerns that members of the public had about his involvement in the Government formation talks, Deputy Lowry repeated that he had been given a mandate from his constituents.

He told reporters : “Unfortunately, if it doesn’t please some of you, that’s your problem, not mine.”