I ‘never, ever’ gave money to Ray Burke, O’Brien tells court

PROMINENT businessman Denis O’Brien told the High Court yesterday he “never, ever” gave money to former Government minister Ray Burke and he said he was never asked for money by Mr Burke.

Mr O’Brien was giving evidence at the start of his legal action against the Mirror Group Newspapers Ltd over an article that appeared in the Irish Mirror in June 1998 alleging that Mr Burke was to be investigated for a third payment of IR£30,000. The newspaper referred to an anonymous letter which alleged the donation came from radio boss Denis O’Brien.

The case is before a jury in the High Court for assessment of damages only.