Michael Lowry’s son says ‘no discussions’ held with Fine Gael

The son of Independent Tipperary TD Michael Lowry has held no discussions with Fine Gael about running for the party in future general elections he said.

Cllr Micheál Lowry released a statement on Wednesday which said he has had “absolutely no discussions or conversations with Fine Gael either nationally or locally”.

The statement follows a report in this week's Tipperary Star newspaper that Mr Lowry could be a candidate for Fine Gael in future elections.

Mr Lowry is part of the “Lowry Team” of councillors in Tipperary, effectively organised by his father Michael, the sitting TD and former Fine Gael minister.

The Tipperary Star said it had also been suggested locally that Mr Lowry was in line to be appointed a senator by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Tipperary currently has no Fine Gael representative in the Dáil or Seanad, following the loss of two Dáil seats at the last election.

Michael Lowry has claimed he has an “arrangement” with Fine Gael arising from his vote for Mr Kenny in Dáil votes for Taoiseach. This has been denied by Fine Gael.

Cllr Micheál Lowry’s statement said he is “very proud to be a member of the Lowry Team which has recorded such achievement and success throughout the constituency”.

“I will continue to work as a member of the Lowry Team in the best interest of people who have repeatedly placed their confidence in us,” it said.

When asked by the Tipperary Star about a possible Seanad appointment for his son, Michael Lowry said: "The appointment of the Senators is the prerogative of An Taoiseach.

"I was surprised to learn at the announcement of the line-up that there was a lot of behind-the-scenes arrangements with Fianna Fáil which did not appear in the published agreement.

“It’s clear that Fianna Fáil got the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad and there was a lot of horse trading going on.”

When asked whether his son could run for Fine Gael, he said: “That’s a matter internally for Fine Gael.” The Independent deputy was not available for comment.