Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Niall Carson/PA Archive/Press Association Images
Wigan

Ethics watchdog drops investigation into Michael Lowry

Almost 400 complaints had been received about the TD’s business dealings in Wigan.

TIPPERARY DEPUTY MICHAEL Lowry has welcomed a decision by the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) to drop its investigation in relation to lands he owns in the northwest of England.

The watchdog had initiated the probe after receiving 388 complaints in relation to alleged contraventions of the Ethics Acts with regards to his business dealings in Wigan.

In a statement this evening, the Independent TD described the almost-400 complaints as “orchestrated”, accusing two journalists of “working in tandem” to make “exaggerated and unfounded claims” about his shareholding in the lands.

He claims the Irish Examiner’s valuation at €6.7 million was “ludicrous”, stating that the Commission’s investigation found the share to be worth about €13,000.

According to Lowry, the Sunday Independent’s Elaine Byrne “activated” the complaints. In a November 2012 article, the academic and journalist asked readers to report the former minister over the undisclosed lands.

“This type of agenda led, sensationalised journalism is neither fair nor just,” he continued. “Journalists have an entitlement to probe in the public interest but also have an obligation to present the public with factual and correct information. Any competent, professional journalist would not allow themselves to be sucked in and fooled by information passed to them by unreliable sources.”

Of the 388 complaints about Lowry that were referred to the commission by the Dáil Committee on Members’ Interests, 70 were deemed invalid as the complainant had not provided a sufficient return address.

Lowry has subsequently amended the Register of Dáil Interests to include the land in Wigan which he said is of “negligible value”.

Related: Ethics watchdog received nearly 400 complaints over Michael Lowry last year

Read: Michael Lowry: Revenue’s search of my home was a fruitless exercise

More: Michael Lowry defends and defriends ‘irritating and brash’ Alan Shatter

Your Voice
Readers Comments
56
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.