Tribunal adjourned over pregnancy concern

Mr Denis O'Brien did not appear before the Moriarty tribunal this morning as scheduled because of concerns his pregnant wife may require a Caesarean section.

Counsel for Mr O'Brien Mr Eoin McGonigal SC said his client had returned to London yesterday evening after becoming aware of the concerns.

He added his client regrets "very much that he isn't here".

Mr Justice Moriarty said it was "extremely unfortunate"matters outlined yesterday could not now be embarked upon. He said the tribunal had no option but to abandon today's sitting which he would reluctantly do.

Mr O'Brien had been due to answer questions about a conversation in 1996 with the then chief executive of Esat Digifone Mr Barry Maloney concerning two £100,000 payments - one of which was allegedly to Mr Michael Lowry. Mr O'Brien was expected to deny that any payment was made.

Mr Lowry has said allegations that he received £100,000 from Mr O'Brien are totally false and untrue.

Mr O'Brien was also due to face questions on new information uncovered by the tribunal suggesting it had evidence Mr Aidan Phelan, an accountant working for Mr O'Brien "appeared to have been involved in July of 1996 in arranging for two substantial transfers of £100,000 and £50,000 respectively on Mr O'Brien's behalf from offshore accounts in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man."

Counsel for the tribunal Mr Jerry Healy said yesterday: "These payments of £100,000 and £50,000 were made to David Austin [Fine Gael fundraiser] and appear . . . to be connected with a subsequent payment by Mr Austin to an account in the Isle of Man in the name of Mr Michael Lowry in the sum of £147,000."

Mr Justice Moriarty adjourned the tribunal until Tuesday morning.