McDowells's Role ex-AG ro deal only with Anderson

The Moriarty tribunal will only use the former tánaiste and attorney general Michael McDowell SC for the examination of witness Michael Andersen, the chairman of the tribunal, Mr Justice Michael Moriarty, has said.

After Prof Andersen’s evidence is complete, Mr McDowell’s services will no longer be used by the tribunal. He will have no role in the tribunal’s deliberative process.

Mr Justice Moriarty said he had not had time to produce a reasoned argument in response to complaints on Tuesday that Mr McDowell was conflicted because of his activities in public life.

Mr Justice Moriarty said Mr McDowell was an experienced and senior barrister whose professional skills would be used when questioning Prof Andersen.

During the morning session, former minister for telecommunications Michael Lowry questioned what aspect of the tribunal’s terms of reference covered its inquiry into whether the 1995 mobile phone licence competition was susceptible to being influenced.

Mr Lowry was minister at the time of the competition.

The North Tipperary TD, who is representing himself before the tribunal, said he would not be able to attend in the afternoon or today because of his duties in Leinster House.

Mr Justice Moriarty said his comments were noted.