£10,000 payment a ‘traceless transaction’

LAWYERS for the Planning Tribunal have claimed a £10,000 cash payment by a well-known businessman to Frank Dunlop in 1993 had none of the hallmarks of “a legitimate, professional transaction”.

The inquiry heard yesterday that the car dealer, Denis Mahony, had no documentation about the payment, even though he had kept detailed records of financial transactions, including political donations, throughout his long business career.

Tribunal barrister, Patricia Dillon said the £10,000 payment, as well as a £2,000 "success fee" which Mr Mahony gave to the political lobbyist appeared to be designed to be kept "under-the-books".