Former FG senator claims Mahon is protecting Dunlop

FORMER Fine Gael senator Liam T Cosgrave yesterday claimed the Mahon Planning Tribunal was “protecting” Frank Dunlop, whom he called a “perjuring parrot”.

Mr Dunlop claims he gave IR£1,000 bribes to each of four councillors — including Mr Cosgrave — to support rezoning of north Dublin lands in the early 1990s.

“You’re discriminating against me,” Mr Cosgrave protested, after he was not allowed read his prepared statement to the tribunal into the record. “You are protecting Mr Dunlop,” he added.

Judge Alan Mahon immediately retorted: “That is a serious allegation.”

Mr Dunlop alleges he bribed Mr Cosgrave in connection with the rezoning of 70 acres now being probed by the tribunal. Mr Cosgrave and Tony Fox, FF reject the allegations.

Mr Cosgrave said: “I am once again the victim of an unsubstantiated allegation by Frank Dunlop, in relation to lands at Balheary. Four councillors — two of them conveniently dead — are alleged to have got money in relation to their support for a motion in Dublin County Council. I again reject this allegation.”

During sharp exchanges, the chairman told Mr Cosgrave not to shout at him.

“All I want is fair play,” the witness insisted.

The chairman asked Mr Cosgrave why he had an aggressive state of mind, adding his aggressive tone and attitude were completely unnecessary.

Mr Cosgrave said he had been subjected to “a lot of stuff, media stuff etc. All I’m looking for is fair play.”

But Mr Dunlop had alleged Mr Cosgrave agreed to support the deal — provided Mr Dunlop gave him “something,” and they both agreed on £1,000.

Asked where he got the cash used to purchase Post Office savings certificates in 1993, Mr Cosgrave could not identify the sources but said they were “absolutely not” paid out of funds from Frank Dunlop.

Councillor Anne Devitt protested vigorously when quizzed on developers she had among her social contacts, including builder Joe Tiernan, a long standing Fine Gael supporter and a central character in the current investigation.

Ms Devitt said she helped draft the rezoning motion.

Three weeks after the council vote, Ms Devitt was invited to dinner. Present were two Christian Brothers from Swords, local councillor Cyril Gallagher and his wife, and Mr Tiernan.

No business was discussed, according to Ms Devitt, who had proposed the successful motion, seconded by the late Mr Gallagher.

Ray Burke, a former Swords representative in the Oireachtas, is due to give evidence later today.