Developer trims political donations

POLITICAL donations to Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael from one of the country’s biggest property developers totalled €3,700 last year as it posted pre-tax losses of €23.8 million.

Harcourt Developments, owned by Donegal businessman Pat Doherty, donated €2,200 to Fianna Fáil last year and €1,500 to Fine Gael. This is a big drop from 2007 when it donated €10,250 to Fianna Fáil, €5,000 to the PDs, €4,000 to Fine Gael and €5,992 to the SDLP. The company is obliged under the Electoral Act 1997 to disclose donations. Its board members includes former RTÉ presenter Mike Murphy and Andrew Parker Bowles, the ex-husband of Camilla Parker Bowles.

Turnover in the year increased from €138m to €140m. Pre-tax losses were up from €21.9m to €23.8m in the year to the end of December 2009.