The Tánaiste insists there’s “nothing corrupt” in negotiating a deal with Michael Lowry.
The Fianna Fáil leader had called for the Tipperary TD’s resignation in the Dáil in 2011, following the Moriarty Tribunal which found that Lowry had a “persuasive” influence in the awarding of Ireland’s second mobile phone license.
Michael Lowry has always rejected the findings.
Tánaiste Michael Martin says Independent TDs had a mandate to form a government.
Meanwhile Michael Lowry will be able to bring extra benefits to Tipperary due to his role as ‘kingmaker’ in the new government according to a Tipperary Fianna Fail Councillor.
No specific deals have been agreed for the Premier County but John Carroll says there will be advantages to having such a powerful figure representing the county.