Dunlop: Bruton ‘relaxed’ when told of bribe demand

LOBBYIST Frank Dunlop described yesterday how former Fine Gael leader John Bruton remarked the world was not “populated by angels” when he was informed a party councillor was seeking a corrupt payment for his vote.

Mr Dunlop told the Mahon Tribunal when he spoke to Mr Bruton, then party leader, he did not specify the late Tom Hand was seeking IR£250,000 — equal to more than €317,000 — for continuing to back the Quarryvale development in west Dublin.

However, Mr Bruton — due to give evidence next week — totally denies Mr Dunlop informed him of the demand following a FG fundraising lunch at the Red Cow Inn in May 1993.