Richardson ‘broke FF rules’ in $10k donation

FIANNA Fáil TD Seán Fleming told the Mahon Tribunal that former chief fundraiser Des Richardson was in breach of the party’s procedures by failing to lodge a $10,000 donation to a Fianna Fáil bank account.

The tribunal also heard of a clash of evidence between Mr Fleming and Mr Richardson about awareness within the party of the donation, made by Manchester businessman Norman Turner in May 1994.

Mr Fleming, who was the party’s financial controller between 1982 and 1997, told the tribunal that he was “absolutely satisfied” he was not aware of the payment before November 2007.