Councillor is advised to reconsider evidence

FIANNA FÁIL councillor Tony Fox has been advised by the Flood Tribunal to reconsider his evidence over the weekend after members of the tribunal suggested some of his answers to the inquiry have defied common sense.

The tribunal heard yesterday Mr Fox lodged £2,000 to his bank account in June, 1992 three weeks after Mr Dunlop alleges he paid him the same amount as a bribe.

It also emerged Mr Fox, who represents the Dundrum area on Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Co Council, proposed a motion to assist the development of a golf club on behalf of a property company which had no beneficial interest in the project.

Contrary to Mr Fox's explanation for supporting the motion, the tribunal heard that, if passed, it would have made the development of the golf course impossible.

Mr Fox is adamant he never asked for, or received money, from Mr Dunlop in return for his support of controversial rezoning motions in the Carrickmines areaMr Dunlop claims he paid £2,000 to Mr Fox in June 1992 as gratitude for his support of a rezoning motion.

Financial recordsMr Fox lodged £2,000 to his bank account on July 2, 1992. He said that was a transfer from his wife's account, after she had received a £9,000 award as a result of an accident.

However, tribunal member, Judge Alan Mahon, said it wasn't a direct transfer as £2,600 (and not £2,000) was debited from his wife's bank account.

He said it also appeared the lodgement was made before the withdrawal from Ms Fox's account.

Tribunal barrister, Pat Quinn SC said the issue was still a matter of ongoing queries with Mr Fox's bank.

However, the tribunal accepted Mr Fox had written a cheque for £2,000 on July 2, 1992 payable to a heating contractor. Mr Fox resumes his evidence on Monday.