There was no mention of cosy cartels when Michael Lowry appeared at the rail signalling inquiry on Monday.

But the former minister for transport, energy and communications did recall his time as CI╔'s political master, cut short by the revelation about his financial links with Ben Dunne.

Mr Lowry did not have time to follow the inquiry closely, but he did give a brief outline of the atmosphere at the highest level in CI╔, characterised by political in-fighting and weak management. All that had changed, he suggested, and the group had a "bright" future.

However, at the previous session, CI╔ executive chairman John Lynch said plans to break up the ailing transport group were afoot.

Given the dismal performance of the signalling system that prompted the inquiry, such a bright prediction seems optimistic beyond the call of duty.