Lawlor at centre of bribe firms, Flood told

DISGRACED former TD Liam Lawlor and reclusive businessman Jim Kennedy were at the centre of two property companies that allegedly paid £30,000 in bribes to councillors, the Flood Tribunal was told yesterday.

The former Government Press Secretary, Frank Dunlop told the tribunal both Mr Lawlor and Mr Kennedy had a financial interest in Paisley Park and Jackson Way - two offshore companies which owned land in south Dublin. The land was the subject of controversial rezoning motions over the past decade.

However, the evidence of the tribunal's key witness will be challenged as both men strenuously deny having any interest or knowledge of either company.

The tribunal heard yesterday an Isle of Man-based solicitor, John Caldwell, admitted being one of the beneficial owners of the land but denied any knowledge of payments to politicians.

Mr Caldwell has told the inquiry Mr Kennedy played a central role in efforts to develop 108 acres of land at Carrickmines. However, he contradicted claims by Mr Dunlop that Mr Lawlor had any role in Jackson Way - a company which has lodged a €47m compensation claim over a compulsory purchase order to build part of the M50 motorway around Dublin.

Although Mr Caldwell has belatedly agreed to co-operate with the tribunal following the threat of legal action, Mr Kennedy has so far refused to provide the inquiry with any information about Paisley Park or Jackson Way.

The reclusive businessman, who recently moved from the Isle of Man to a new home in Gibraltar, has informed the tribunal by letter that he has renounced his Irish citizenship and believes the tribunal has no jurisdiction to summon his as a witness.

Under new legislation, Mr Kennedy could face a fine of up to €300,000 and/or a two-year jail sentence if he fails to attend a hearing in Dublin Castle when called next month. The tribunal also heard details yesterday of £30,000 paid as alleged bribes to nine past and present councillors in Dublin by Mr Dunlop on behalf of the owners of Paisley Park/Jackson Way. Mr Dunlop is claiming that the sums, ranging from £1,000 to £5,000, were given to the politicians in return for their votes.