Telenor identity 'not withheld for political reasons'

Former Fine Gael leader John Bruton has denied that information on the source of a $50,000 donation to the party in 1997 was withheld for political reasons.

Deputy Bruton said that in 1998 Norwegian telecommunications company Telenor was revealed as the actual donor who had given Fine Gael supporter David Austen the money.

Mr Bruton said that up until that point it was believed the donation had come from the late Mr Austen personally.

He added that he had told Mr Austen in 1996 that Fine Gael did not want a donation from Esat, as it might be seen to be connected with the company's mobile phone licence bid.

Mr Bruton said that after Telenor was revealed as the actual donor, he began moves to return it.

However, as the identity of Telenor had been given confidentially, the party was obliged not to pass on the information unless required by law.