Mystery man ‘demanded £5m’ and told developer ‘he could end up in Liffey’

A MYSTERY man is alleged to have sought £5 million from Tom Gilmartin outside the ministerial offices in Leinster House and told the land developer he could “end up in the Liffey” when the demand was refused.

The Planning Tribunal heard Mr Gilmartin at one stage identified the man as Liam Lawlor but in his final statement said it was someone he did not recognise.

Mr Gilmartin claims the demand was made in late January 1989 after Mr Lawlor approached him in Buswell’s Hotel, opposite the Dáil, and told him “the boss”, meaning then Taoiseach Charles Haughey, wanted to see him.