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).