Drumm may give video link evidence

The banking inquiry is to decide on Monday whether to allow former Anglo chief executive David Drumm to give evidence from the US by video link next Wednesday to get around legal issues with his return to Ireland.

The Irish Examiner understands the plan was discussed during a private inquiry meeting last night and will be signed off on later today after the banker formally refused to turn up.

Drumm, who notoriously said in the Anglo tapes he picked the sum he told the government the bank needed for the guarantee “out of me arse”, is considered essential to finding out what caused the crash.

In the immediate aftermath of the economic meltdown, Mr Drumm — who also threatened to “hand the keys” over if he did not get taxpayer funds immediately — fled to the US to avoid Garda questioning about hidden loans and other matters.

Now living near Cape Cod in Massachusetts, Mr Drumm attempted to file for bankruptcy in the US last year — meaning he could start with a clean slate despite owing Ireland €8.5m — but was told his claim was “not remotely credible”.

Earlier this month, he had sent a written statement to the banking inquiry before a scheduled appearance on Wednesday. The move ensured Mr Drumm was seen to be complying with inquiries while not actually undergoing public grilling.

Such questioning has never taken place, despite former RTÉ Washington correspondent Charlie Bird seeking to “doorstep” him in 2010 which led to Mr Drumm calling the police, and suggestions the Government could seek to extradite him.

Mr Drumm said he will not turn up in person on Wednesday in a statement to the inquiry yesterday, which also opened the possibility of a video link taking place. This issue is due to be agreed on Monday after further legal advice is sought.

The development means three senior Anglo officials will now face questioning, although five remain outside the inquiry’s reach.

In addition to Mr Drumm, former director Peter Fitzgerald — who failed in his attempts to be backed by the DPP to excuse him as he is a witness in the separate Anglo court case — will attend on September 9 after an appearance today was postponed.

Ex-director, PR man and close confidante of ex-taoiseach Brian Cowen, Fintan Drury, will also attend on Thursday.

However, the ongoing Anglo court case means ex-chair Sean FitzPatrick and directors John Bowe and Pat Whelan will not, while Willie McAteer has been excused as he is a trial witness.

Questions remain over whether an eighth ex-Anglo director, Tom Browne, who still works in the Irish financial sector, will turn up when asked.