Dunlop quizzed on why diary entry appeared days before tribunal

FRANK DUNLOP has admitted he can offer no explanation why the first time he recorded an alleged bribe in his diaries was just five days before the establishment of the Flood Tribunal.

Lawyers for Fine Gael councillor, Liam Cosgrave claimed yesterday the absence of an explanation defied common sense.

Cross-examination of Mr Dunlop resumed at the tribunal when the political lobbyist faced further questioning over allegations he paid around £15,000 to Mr Cosgrave during the 1990s in return for his vote on controversial land rezonings in south Dublin.

However, Mr Cosgrave’s barrister, Michael O’Higgins, said Dunlop’s failure to explain a diary entry in October 1997, which noted a £2,500 payment to his client, pointed up forensic gaps in his evidence.

Dunlop also revealed another property developer had given him £30,000 in December 1997 which was used to pay money to politicians.

The former Government press secretary vehemently denied claims he had driven Mr Cosgrave to view the Jackson Way lands sometime in 1995 or 1996.