Claim Reynolds on O’Callaghan payroll ‘rubbish’

THE Mahon tribunal yesterday heard claims that ex-taoiseach Albert Reynolds was on the payroll of a top property developer branded as “outrageous fantasy”.

Cork businessman Owen O’Callaghan said the allegation was a figment of his former partner, Tom Gilmartin’s, imagination.

He told the planning probe that contrary to evidence from Mr Gilmartin — once an ally in early 1990s plans to develop land at Quarryvale, Co Dublin, but later a bitter rival — he had never given money to Mr Reynolds or requested him to influence the State’s Industrial Development Authority (IDA) in connection with his project.