Former Esat Digifine CEO, Mr Barry Maloney, was concerned at the close relationship of Mr Denis O’Brien and the former Minster for Communications, Mr Michael Lowry, the Moriarty tribunal heard today.
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Former Esat CEO Mr Barry Maloney
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According to hand written notes taken at a meeting by a Digifone director, Mr Michael Walsh, Mr Maloney raised these concerns at the meeting between Mr Walsh, Mr O’Brien and himself in October, 1997.
Mr Maloney also expressed concern about a comment made to him by Mr O’Brien that a payment of £100,000 to Mr Lowry had not been made but had "become stuck with an intermediary".
The meeting had been called by Mr Maloney because he was worried that comments made by Mr O’Brien regarding payments to Mr Lowry could damage the upcoming Esat Digifone IPO. He was also concerned that a third party knew about the intention to pay money to the former minister.
In his notes of the October, 1997 meeting, read out at the tribunal today, Mr Walsh said Mr Maloney had stated that the relationship between Mr Lowry and Mr O’Brien was "very close" and that they had frequent meetings.
However, while giving evidence to the tribunal today Mr Maloney said that the license process was very rigorous and that it would be very difficult for it to be "impacted politically".
Mr Maloney will continue his evidence tomorrow.