Cosgrave denies receiving vote bribe

FORMER TD and senator Liam Cosgrave yesterday denied that a day after the Planning Tribunal was established he demanded cash in return for supporting a rezoning motion.

Mr Cosgrave, a member of one the State's best-known political dynasties, accused Frank Dunlop of naming him as a recipient of corrupt payments because he knew he did not keep accurate records of political donations The Mahon Tribunal probing planning corruption questioned Mr Cosgrave a Fine Gael TD in the '80s, senator throughout the '90s and still a councillor over claims he received a payment of £1,000 for supporting the rezoning of 22 acres of land owned by St Gerard's School near Bray, Co Wicklow.

He has admitted receiving money totalling £7,000 from Mr Dunlop, but said they were donations to pay for election expenses.