McDowell dropped in bid to speed up process

The banking inquiry has cut several high-profile witnesses, including former tánaiste Michael McDowell and former Central Bank governor Maurice O’Connell, from its hearings schedule as it attempts to speed up its running order.

Members of the committee are anxious that the inquiry proceeds to its second stage as quickly as possible. It is now hoped that it will enter the ‘nexus’ phase by late April.

In addition to McDowell and O’Connell, economists Megan Greene, Colm McCarthy and Gregory O’Connor have been axed, along with journalist Richard Curran. It is thought that McDowell and O’Connell may be reinstated in the running order in the second phase.

It ...