FORMER Fine Gael TD Liam Cosgrave has begun an appeal aimed at halting his criminal trial in connection with alleged corrupt payments concerning land rezonings in Co Dublin.

The High Court has today dismissed applications by ex-FG TD Liam Cosgrove and businessman Jim Kennedy aimed at stopping their trials in connection with alleged corrupt payments in relation to rezoning of lands in Dublin.

The State has failed to give reasons why there was such a lengthy delay before charges were brought against businessman Jim Kennedy, the High Court has heard.

Retired Fine Gael politician Liam Cosgrave was shocked to learn he was to be charged with receiving alleged corrupt payments for rezoning of lands in Carrickmines in Dublin in the 1990s, the High Court heard today.

The High Court has today made an order allowing limited discovery of documents sought by businessman Jim Kennedy for his forthcoming judicial review proceedings aimed at preventing his criminal trial for alleged corrupt payments.

Businessman Jim Kennedy, who is accused of numerous counts of corrupt payments to politicians, was served with a book of evidence today and sent forward for trial before a judge and jury.

A former Fine Gael politician appeared at the Dublin District Court this afternoon to face charges of taking corrupt payments in relation to rezoning of lands in Carrickmines in Dublin in the 1990's.

BUSINESSMAN and tax exile Jim Kennedy is to face 16 charges of making corrupt payments to politicians during the 1990s in return for their votes to rezone lands owned by one of his companies, Jackson Way Properties, at Carrickmines in south Dublin.

ELDERLY women will continue to be at the greatest risk of poverty if the Government prioritises private pensions.

FORMER lobbyist Frank Dunlop told the Mahon Tribunal yesterday “wild horses” would not make him reveal the identity of a man he met in Dublin’s Davenport Hotel eight years ago.

AN expo aimed at attracting people and businesses to the Western region has been launched by Gillian Buckley, chief executive of the Western Development Commission.

Construction Industry Federation (CIF) president Hank Fogarty today warned that new public sector construction contracts will push up the price of building public infrastructure in Ireland, damaging small and medium contracting companies.

SMALL firms that ignore their social responsibilities will lose out, lobby group ISME warned yesterday.

PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON last night revealed that he will leave nothing to chance in his all-out bid to lead the European PGA Tour order of merit this year.