I freely, absolutely, and honestly bribed councillors, admits Dunlop
The political lobbyist told the Flood Tribunal yesterday controversial businessman Jim Kennedy was also fully aware money was being paid to politicians in return for their votes on planning issues.
He also claimed former TD Liam Lawlor advised him on which councillors to bring onside for such planning applications.
The tribunal is currently investigating claims Mr Kennedy gave Mr Dunlop £25,000 in 1992 to buy the votes of councillors to support the rezoning of lands he owned at Carrickmines, Co Dublin.
Mr Dunlop outlined how a system operated within Dublin County Council during the 1990s whereby “a nexus of councillors” could organise a majority of votes for a rezoning motion.
The tribunal heard Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael operated a party whip system on pro-development motions that came before the council.
The PR consultant said that he “absolutely” stood over all the allegations of bribing politicians on behalf of developers which he sensationally revealed during his last appearance at the tribunal in April/May 2000.
With hindsight, he was surprised that he did not realise from the outset that it was wrong in paying money to politicians for votes.
Mr Dunlop revealed he first became aware that councillors were seeking money when former Fianna Fáil councillor Seán Gilbride said “It’ll cost you” to obtain his support for the controversial Quarryvale development in west Dublin.
However, Mr Dunlop’s evidence was overshadowed by another witness, Antoinette Kennedy, the wife of Jim Kennedy.
She claimed her husband had refused to appear before the tribunal earlier this week because he believed he would not get a fair hearing. In an angry outburst, she also criticised journalists who had conducted “a savage media campaign” which had left her husband and his family “victimised and violated”.
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