A tale of ‘jealousy, anger, and rage’

Evidence in the trial of a former Fine Gael politician accused of accepting corrupt payments had told a rather sordid tale of “jealousy, anger, and rage,” the ex-councillor’s lawyer said yesterday.

Fred Forsey Jr, aged 43, of Coolagh Rd, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, denies six charges relating to the alleged receipt of corrupt payments totalling €80,000 in 2006. He is alleged to have received the money from a developer as a reward or inducement for supporting the rezoning of a piece of land outside Dungarvan from agricultural to industrial and residential use.

Closing arguments were heard yesterday at Waterford Circuit Court by the jury, which is expected to retire today to consider a verdict after Judge Gerard Griffin completes his charge.