Tribunal denies bullying Cosgrove over payment allegations

THE Flood Tribunal has rejected claims that it attempted to bully Fine Gael councillor, Liam Cosgrave, over fresh allegations that he received a corrupt payment from the political lobbyist, Frank Dunlop.

The Tribunal also dismissed objections by Mr Cosgrave’s legal team that it had acted in a manner inconsistent with fair procedures.

Barrister, Michael O’Higgins SC complained yesterday that the Tribunal had “malfunctioned” over its failure to question Mr Dunlop why he had lied during his original evidence in April 2000. Mr O’Higgins said it was not appropriate that it should be left to lawyers who were cross-examining Mr Dunlop to conduct such an inquiry.