Lawlor brands retired developer a ‘liar’

FORMER Fianna Fáil TD Liam Lawlor has branded retired developer Tom Gilmartin a liar over claims the politician brought him to a meeting of government figures including Charles Haughey in Leinster House in February 1989.

Cross-examining the Sligo-born businessman for a third day at the Planning Tribunal, Mr Lawlor said such a claim was part of Mr Gilmartin’s “wild, wicked allegations.” He also challenged a statement provided by former minister Mary O’Rourke, who is the only member of the then Fianna Fáil government to provide corroboration to Mr Gilmartin’s claims about the meeting.

Mr Lawlor said Ms O’Rourke’s description of how her ministerial office was “across the corridor” from where the meeting with Mr Gilmartin took place was not possible. However, the former TD, who vehemently rejects any suggestion that he ever brought Mr Gilmartin to such a meeting, said the witness had provided “an excellent description” about parts of the layout of Leinster House.