FF operated a whip system on council, says TD

FIANNA FÁIL TD Charlie O’Connor has admitted the party effectively operated a whip system on Dublin County Council in the early 1990s, contrary to the evidence of Fianna Fáil colleague Tony Fox.

Mr O’Connor told the Flood Tribunal yesterday his fellow council members used to vote “in party clusters.”

The Dublin South-West TD agreed he had formed the view that Fianna Fáil councillors would hold meetings to determine the course of action to be taken at council votes.

Tribunal chairman Mr Justice Feargus Flood said the “reality of life” is there was a strict whip operating for Fianna Fáil members on Dublin County Council.

Cllr Tony Fox (FF), who denies receiving £7,000 in bribes from the political lobbyist, Frank Dunlop, told the inquiry last week that there was no such whip.

Mr O’Connor, who represents the Tallaght-Rathcoole area as a councillor, was called as a witness to Dublin Castle to explain why he signed a motion to rezone lands at Carrickmines, Co Dublin, which are under investigation by the tribunal.

Mr O’Connor admitted he had very little knowledge about the Carrickmines area of Dublin but pointed out that it was custom and practice for councillors from one area to propose rezoning motions affecting another part of the county.

However, he was unaware that Mr Dunlop was acting for the owners of the lands.

The tribunal has adjourned until April 29.