Moriarty Tribunal the sequel….

[mild]

The Moriarty Tribunal is due to reopen its public hearings today into the relationship between politician Michael Lowry and businessman Denis O'Brien.

Full story

[MsAnneThrope]

It's interesting that this Vaughan guy previously refused to appear but now has no problems doing so. I wonder what happened in the meantime and how many arms were twisted. Excuse my cynicism but this seems unusual. I'm looking forward to seeing what he comes out with and which way his finger is pointing.

[perprojustice]

Should be interesting. Will it be speeded up in "the interest of the economic state of the country"

[toxic avenger]

It might not be the last public hearing either, there will be more if the civil servants and others potentially criticised in the report win the chance to take the stand again. And Mahon might be back if O'Callaghan wins his judicial review. The Tribunals are both being challeged and delayed by those about whom it is almost certain there will be very negative findings.

[stanley]

It's interesting that this Vaughan guy previously refused to appear but now has no problems doing so. I wonder what happened in the meantime and how many arms were twisted. Excuse my cynicism but this seems unusual. I'm looking forward to seeing what he comes out with and which way his finger is pointing.

Have to agree with you something smells on this one, could it possibly be DO'B has changed solicitors and maybe they advise this Vaughan issue has to be settled as it does not reflect well.
Can the Tribunal twist Vaughan's arm in the UK to attend in Dublin or are we to hear a brand new fairytale today.

[mild]

Update:
Tribunal hears about nature of UK property deals

The Moriarty Tribunal has been hearing testimony about the nature of property deals in England linked to former government minister Michael Lowry and businessman Denis O'Brien.

The properties were acquired in Cheadle and Mansfield.

Solicitor Christopher Vaughan, from Northampton, who handled the purchases, told the tribunal today that the properties were bought with a view to selling them on as quickly as possible.

He said he had acted for a man called Kevin Phelan, who had expressed an interest in purchasing Hull City Football Club and Doncaster Rovers Football Club in the late 1990s.

Mr Phelan subsequently introduced Mr Vaughan to Michael Lowry, who purchased property in Mansfield and Cheadle.

Mr Vaughan told the tribunal that Doncaster Rovers FC was purchased by a consortium, but stressed that it did not include Michael Lowry.

The tribunal also heard that relations between Mr Vaughan and Mr Phelan soured when difficulties arose in relation to various business transactions.

[MsAnneThrope]

Thanks for the update Mild. Any indication how long it might go on for? Couple of days or should I just bookmark this thread for bedtime reading over the next Christmas holidays?

[Digout]

Lowry has 50% of a property company in the UK, any link?

[toxic avenger]

Northampton, where this fellow is from, is just up the M1 from Luton, where Lowry is director of a property company. It's in Lowry's declaration of interests in the Oireachtas Register of Members' Interests.

[stanley]

Update:
Tribunal hears about nature of UK property deals

The Moriarty Tribunal has been hearing testimony about the nature of property deals in England linked to former government minister Michael Lowry and businessman Denis O'Brien.

The properties were acquired in Cheadle and Mansfield.

Solicitor Christopher Vaughan, from Northampton, who handled the purchases, told the tribunal today that the properties were bought with a view to selling them on as quickly as possible.

He said he had acted for a man called Kevin Phelan, who had expressed an interest in purchasing Hull City Football Club and Doncaster Rovers Football Club in the late 1990s.

Mr Phelan subsequently introduced Mr Vaughan to Michael Lowry, who purchased property in Mansfield and Cheadle.

Mr Vaughan told the tribunal that Doncaster Rovers FC was purchased by a consortium, but stressed that it did not include Michael Lowry.

The tribunal also heard that relations between Mr Vaughan and Mr Phelan soured when difficulties arose in relation to various business transactions.

I am no expert on property but the bit about buying 2 properties to sell them on quickly sounds very odd, on the presumption no improvment was made to the properties and stamp duty and other fees incl Vaughan's had to be made and thereon added to the purchase price, the market in northern Eng does not whizz up overnight, how did they envisage making a profit in such a short space of time, presuming profit was the motive or did title change to bring in Micky Lowry as the new owner, no monies transacted.