Cosgrave failed to declare €3,174 donation from Dunlop

FORMER Fine Gael TD Liam Cosgrave failed to declare what he described as a “legitimate” political donation of £2,500 (€3,174) from Frank Dunlop to the Public Offices Commission as required by legislation.

The Flood Tribunal yesterday heard Mr Cosgrave informed the Public Offices Commission in January 1998 he had received no large political donation during the previous year, despite being given the £2,500 cheque from Mr Dunlop in July 1997.

Under the Electoral Act 1997, all TDs, senators and MEPs are obliged to file an annual return of all donations they receive in excess of £500 (€635).

Anyone convicted of knowingly filing a false declaration on political donations to the Public Offices Commission can face a three-year jail sentence and/or a fine of €25,395.

When the commission asked Mr Cosgrave to clarify why he had told an internal Fine Gael inquiry into political payments in 2000 he had received €635-€1270 from Mr Dunlop in 1997, Mr Cosgrave said he was satisfied the donation was received before May 15, 1997 the day the legislation came into effect.

Politicians only have to notify the commission of donations of over €635 received after this date. The cheque from Mr Dunlop was dated July 2, 1997.

Asked by tribunal barrister John Gallagher SC why he had failed to declare this cheque to the commission, Mr Cosgrave said repeatedly that he believed the sum involved was less than €635.

The 46-year-old solicitor and father of two has consistently rejected claims by Mr Dunlop that he actively sought bribes in return for his votes to rezone lands owned by Paisley Park/Jackson Way at Carrickmines in south Dublin.

Tribunal member Judge Alan Mahon expressed surprise that Mr Cosgrave could not remember having received such a significant sum six months later when he was filing a return on political donations. Mr Cosgrave replied he didn't know the precise amount involved.

Under detailed questioning, he accepted he had only ever received one donation greater than €3174 apart from contributions from his family.

The former Dun Laoghaire TD admitted he had not recorded the €3174 cheque in a list he kept to assist with filing returns on political donations.

"I was in the middle of a Senate campaign and thinking more of getting votes than filling out a declaration that would have to be completed six month later," said Mr Cosgrave.

However, he rejected suggestions he had tried to hide the Dunlop payment from the Oireachtas watchdog. "The cheque is what it is. Why would I try and conceal it? The cheque is still traceable," he said. He added he had not informed the commission about the cheque from Mr Dunlop to correct the record. "I probably should have," he said.

Mr Cosgrave's evidence continues today.