Dunlop accountant quit over fears he was ‘in firing line’

THE accountant who audited Frank Dunlop’s books resigned from the lobbyist’s company amid fears he was “in the firing line” over non-disclosure of transactions to the Revenue Commissioners, the Mahon Tribunal heard yesterday.

Hugh McGowan, a chartered accountant, said he became a director of Shefran Ltd — an Irish-registered company Mr Dunlop had set up for receipt of fee income in connection with the Quarryvale development in west Dublin — when it became incorporated in 1990.

He agreed it was only after a Revenue audit of Frank Dunlop’s affairs in October 1994 that he decided to remove himself from Shefran.

After he resigned, Mr McGowan said he transferred his directorship and shareholding in Shefran to two nominee companies in the Isle of Man.

Meanwhile, the alleged “dig-out” friend of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and controversial Dublin Port Company chairman, Joe Burke, is set to be questioned again at the Mahon tribunal next month.

Mr Burke, the subject of a sexual assault Garda investigation, is scheduled to appear before the planning corruption probe on April 9.

Mr Burke’s appearance at Dublin Castle comes nearly three months after his previous scheduled testimony was cancelled.

The 58-year-old was due to appear on January 15.

His appearance was cancelled after he was accused of sexually assaulting a young woman in a house in Malahide, north Dublin, and he subsequently fell ill.

Gardaí reportedly found him slumped behind the wheel of his car in Ringsend, Dublin. Mr Burke subsequently received medical care.

He was deemed fit, however, last week and questioned by gardaí in Malahide after he was arrested in connection with the alleged sexual assault.

It is understood Mr Burke denies assaulting the woman.