Caldwell denies playing role in bribe bid

ONE of the beneficial owners of lands at the centre of planning corruption allegations yesterday insisted he never played any role in attempts to bribe councillors.

Solicitor John Caldwell told the Planning Tribunal he never got involved with efforts to have lands owned by Paisley Park (and later, Jackson Way Properties) at Carrickmines, Co Dublin, rezoned.

Mr Caldwell also expressed regret that he became the public face for the firms by agreeing to give the RTÉ reporter Charlie Bird an off-the-record briefing in 2000.