Donations ‘to help best people get elected’

FORMER Monarch Properties executive Phil Reilly told the Mahon Tribunal yesterday, he asked his bosses to make political donations to six Dáil candidates because he wanted “the best people” in Leinster House.

During the 1992 general election campaign, Mr Reilly requested £1,000 each for Michael Keating (FG) and PD leader Mary Harney, with £500 each to four other Dáil candidates.

Mr Reilly explained he wanted good, committed politicians to represent the Tallaght area, to ensure it got hospitals and schools.