As of the year 2025, Michael Lowry’s net worth is projected to be $1 million or more. To the tune of more than $1 million, he possesses 71,654 shares of Owens & Minor Inc (OMI) stock. Politics, business, and stock investments have amassed his fortune. He has been financially secure thanks to his lengthy political career.
For Tipperary North, Lowry has served as a TD (Teachta Dála) since 1987. From 1994 to 1996, he was the minister in charge of transportation, energy, and communications. Political victories, tax inquiries, and court battles are all part of his resume. He is still serving in public office, despite all the controversy.
Michael Lowry: Personal and Professional Information
Category | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Michael Lowry |
Date of Birth | March 13, 1953 |
Age | 71 years old |
Birthplace | Thurles, County Tipperary, Ireland |
Political Party | Independent (since 1997) |
Former Party | Fine Gael (until 1997) |
Spouse | Catherine McGrath (separated) |
Children | 3 |
Education | CBS Thurles |
Website | michaellowry.ie |
Current Position | TD for Tipperary North |
Former Position | Minister for Transport, Energy, and Communications (1994–1996) |
Estimated Net Worth | $1 million+ |
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The Political Career and Wealth of Michael Lowry
In 1987, Michael Lowry became a member of parliament for the Fine Gael party. His impact grew rapidly. He rose through the ranks of the Fine Gael party to become its chair in 1993. Minister of Transportation, Energy, and Communications was his title a year after that.
Allegations involving his finances led to the termination of his ministerial tenure in 1996. He is no longer allowed to run for office under the Fine Gael flag. From that point on, he has continued to serve as an Independent TD in the Dáil. He still has a good chance of getting votes.
He makes a base salary of €113,679 per annum in his role as TD. His overall income is raised by extra allowances and benefits. His financial situation has stayed the same throughout his thirty years in politics. His chances of being re-elected have been unaffected by his status as an independent.
Financial Affiliations and Business Interests of Michael Lowry
Outside of politics, Lowry has dabbled with business and investing in stocks. Owens & Minor, Inc., his stock in the company, gives him a substantial safety net. More than $1 million is worth of his investment in 71,654 shares.
Several Irish companies also have ties to him. In2005, his business, Garuda Limited, paid a total of €1.1 million in taxes. Inquiries into financial irregularities and concealed payments were uncovered by revenue authorities. He has continued to be financially active despite being under legal inquiry.
Michael Lowry’s Controversiness
There have been several legal and financial disputes involving Lowry. He was found guilty by the Moriarty Tribunal of assisting businessman Denis O’Brien in obtaining a mobile phone license. The value of this license skyrocketed. O’Brien went on to become one of the wealthiest people in Ireland.
Another finding by the tribunal was that Lowry had evaded taxes. It became out he didn’t report his income or assets. The Revenue Commissioners looked into a number of cases. Officials have continued to investigate his financial situation. His position in the Dáil has been preserved notwithstanding these findings.
He had legal issues, such as a slander case that he lost against journalist Sam Smyth. The judge rejected the case. Any and all legal fees must be paid by Lowry. His ties to billionaire Kevin Phelan added fuel to the fire of financial suspicions.
Kevin Phelan and His Relationship
Kevin Phelan, a businessman, came clean about Lowry’s hidden 2002 payments in 2013. The Moriarty Tribunal was informed of only 50% of the payments. Worries were aroused by this disclosure.
Lowry was caught on tape discussing the payments in a covert phone call. The audio files were made public by the Sunday Independent. Tonight with Vincent Browne aired it afterwards. Lowry asked that the amount not be revealed.
Soon after the audio was made public, Lowry took legal action by suing Independent News & Media (INM). An examination into his financial dealings was ongoing. The fact that he was associated with Phelan added fuel to the fire regarding his hidden wealth.
Problems with Michael Lowry’s Taxes
On multiple occasions, Lowry has been the subject of tax evasion investigations. He paid less in taxes initially, but he was later discovered to have more tax debt. After receiving payments from businessman Ben Dunne, he settled for €192,000 in 2007.
In 2005, his business, Garuda Limited, settled a €1.1 million tax bill. He was indicted on five counts of willfully submitting false tax returns in 2014. Regarding a €372,000 payment he received in 2002, he was found guilty on one count in 2018.
He keeps serving as a TD even though he’s been involved in numerous legal fights. The public and the law continue to scrutinize his financial dealings. He is still a powerful Independent politician, despite the criticism he has received. There have been a number of financial scandals that have not affected his career.
The Economic Effects of Legal Problems
Lowry’s financial situation has worsened due to his legal issues. His fortune was dwindled by legal battles, settlements, and costs. He has security thanks to his TD pay and his assets. His sustained financial stability is guaranteed by his long stint in politics.
Giruda Limited, his business, was hit hard by tax penalties. One of his most valuable assets is his ownership stake in Owens & Minor, Inc. Despite multiple inquiries into his finances, he has continued his political career.
Among Independent TDs in Ireland, he is still among the wealthiest. Because of his riches, he is able to independently finance political campaigns. He is able to maintain his political influence thanks to his financial situation.
The Political Impact of Michael Lowry
Independent TD Lowry maintains his influence despite controversies. His political independence is fueled by his financial resources. In Tipperary, he still has a lot of voters who back him. He has shown a remarkable capacity to win elections even when faced with legal challenges.
Being one of Ireland’s longest-serving TDs, he has been a member of the Dáil since 1987. He is able to keep his political influence because to his stable finances. In Irish politics, he is still negotiating crucial positions.