Bruton confident Lowry can give full explanation

THE Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, said yesterday that Mr Michael Lowry was entitled to time to look into the matter of reports relating to the renovation of his house.

"I think he's entitled to the time to look into the matter and to say whatever he needs to say from his personal point of view, in appropriate time, having had an opportunity to reflect on it", Mr Bruton said.

Talking to reporters, the Taoiseach did not dispute the facts of yesterday's newspaper report, but he emphasised that the matters referred to in the article appeared to have taken place before Mr Lowry became a Minister.

"Obviously, private business or personal matters affecting what they do previous to their ministerial career are in a different category", he added.

Mr Bruton confirmed that he had spoken to Mr Lowry.

"He has confirmed to me that, insofar as he can read the article, everything in it is concerned with things that happened well before he became a Minister. And Ministers are responsible for things" that they do as Ministers or while they are Ministers."

Mr Bruton said that he had "only had the opportunity of looking at, it (the report) rather cursorily

He added: "The position is, of course, that the Minister has been away himself in Brussels, - chairing a Council of Ministers meeting. He only got home some time this morning and he has a family bereavement. His godmother has died and I understand he has to attend the removal this evening."

Mr Bruton said he had "no doubt that Michael will be studying the matter". He was sure that, if any comments or explanations were necessary, Mr Lowry would be able to provide those.