Ex-finance chief not ‘instrumental’ in Maple Ten deal

The former finance director of Anglo Irish Bank told gardaí he was involved in the allegedly illegal Maple Ten deal but denied he was “instrumental” in it.

William McAteer told investigators he “certainly had no involvement in the lending” to the investors, which is the subject of the charges against him and his fellow former executives Seán FitzPatrick and Pat Whelan.

The trial also heard from Menolly Homes owner Seamus Ross, who was one of the Maple Ten. He told the trial he was “delighted” to assist the bank when they asked him to buy Anglo shares to help unwind businessman Seán Quinn’s 29.4% control of the bank.