Speaking in the wake of the conviction of Independent TD Michael Lowry on tax offences, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said tax offences were a "serious crime".
“People who commit tax evasion or tax fraud do not just rob one person, they steal from all of us. It is a major crime against society, in my own view. The courts have made their decision and I respect that.”
His spokesman later clarified that Mr Lowry was not convicted of tax evasion but that the Taoiseach was referring to tax offences in general. Mr Varadkar would not comment on an individual case, he said.
Mr Varadkar’s spokesman also said there was “no understanding with Michael Lowry . . . there’s no special arrangement there”.
Recently, Mr Varadkar told the Dáil that there was “no written agreement with Mr Lowry”.
“While there is no agreement or special deal with deputies Lowry or [Seán] Canney, they do support the Programme for Government, which they believe benefits the country and their constituencies,” he said.
I know several neighbours of mine and people in the constituency who would say he goes to incredible lengths to sort out their problems
“They generally vote with the Government . . . They do of course have access to the Government in the same way all Independent deputies who support the Government do. That means they are able to raise queries and issues, often relating to their constituency, on which we try to assist,” Mr Varadkar said.
Neither Fianna Fáil nor Sinn Féin spokesmen were willing to comment on the verdict in Mr Lowry’s case.
However, People before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett said it was "pretty incredible" that the Government was still accepting Mr Lowry's support.
Though Mr Lowry has a low profile in Leinster House, he regularly tops the poll in his Tipperary constituency, where he maintains a highly efficient local organisation with a strong connection to his constituents.
At the last general election, he won more votes than all three Fine Gael candidates combined.
Support
Last night, there was some support for the deputy among constituents.
I think it is a scam that it has taken 22 years to take this to a head
Seán Fogarty from Moyne, outside Thurles said Tuesday marked the end of a “torturous” 22 years for Mr Lowry.
Mr Fogarty said he has been a follower of Mr Lowry all his life and has supported him since Mr Lowry was a county councillor and helped in his election campaign.
“I know several neighbours of mine and people in the constituency who would say he goes to incredible lengths to sort out their problems and we are relieved he can keep doing that after today,” he said.
“He can go forth in peace now and continue serving the people of Tipperary. I think it is a scam that it has taken 22 years to take this to a head. How many people have been convicted of murder and other heinous crimes and been in and out of jail on multiple sentences while he has to wait 22 years for this ruling so that a lot of legal eagles can line their pockets,” he said.
The chair of Templemore/Thurles council, Fianna Fáil councillor Séamus Hanafin who serves on Tipperary County Council with Mr Lowry’s son, Micheál said he was glad for the deputy.
“Deputy Lowry has been under investigation for a very long time and I can only imagine how difficult this time has been for him and his family and employees. Today’s ruling brings that to an end and I’m glad he can now put it behind him and get on with his work in the future,” said Mr Hanafin.
Labour TD for Tipperary Alan Kelly said he did not want to comment on today’s ruling. “I don’t want to get into that or say anything about the case,” he said.
Worker’s Party councillor Ted Tynan called on Mr Lowry to resign his seat and urged him not to seek to create a Lowry dynasty in North Tipperary.
