THE FORMER TAOISEACH John Bruton has said there is no proof that the awarding of a mobile phone licence to Esat was influenced by the former communications minister Michael Lowry.

In an interview with RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland programme yesterday, Bruton said it was “deplorable” that the former Fine Gael and now Independent TD Lowry had contact with people involved in the bidding process.

But added:

As to whether there is proof that the result of the competition was influenced in anyway by what Michael Lowry did, that’s not proven I think.

The civil servants acted independently and they have not said that they were forced to change their conclusions by anybody.

The Moriarty Tribunal found that Lowry received financial payments from businessman Denis O’Brien.

It followed the awarding of a second mobile phone licence to O’Brien’s company, Esat Digifone in 1996.

Bruton added in the interview that he was not aware of these payments as they came after Lowry had been expelled from Fine Gael.

Earlier this month it was reported that Bruton ‘refused’ to investigate the complaints against Lowry’s actions.

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More