Independent TD Michael Lowry is facing another legal bill over his failed bid to get a High Court order that the Moriarty Tribunal pay millions of euros for legal costs.

Mr Lowry is appealing a decision made last month by Mr Justice John Hedigan.

The judge rejected the argument that there be no order as to the costs of his High Court challenge or, alternatively, that he only make a contribution.

Mr Lowry had only been awarded one-third of his tribunal costs. But he argued he should get full costs because he had co-operated in the inquiry. Mr Justice Hedigan found that as a result of Mr Lowry's conduct, the tribunal was frustrated and misled.

When the matter returned before the judge, Lowry's lawyer argued that a no-costs order should be made because the case had been brought in the public interest, as well as in his private interest.

Mr Justice Hedigan said this was clearly a case in the interests of Mr Lowry himself. He failed to see any great point of law in his case.

Irish Independent