FF rules out ‘parallel inquiry’ over donations

FIANNA FÁIL will not consider taking any action against the failure of TD GV Wright and Senator Don Lydon to disclose hefty donations to an internal party inquiry in the 1990s until after the planning tribunal has concluded.

During Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil yesterday, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern came under sustained attack from Green Party Leader Trevor Sargent.

He criticised what he called the “chronic amnesia” of Senator Lydon and Deputy Wright. Senator Wright told the Mahon Tribunal this week that he forgot to tell the Fianna Fáil inquiry a £7,000 donation from landowner Christopher Jones in 1992. Deputy Wright also admitted he gave incorrect information to the Fianna Fáil inquiry held in the aftermath of Frank Dunlop’s allegations about corruption in 2000.