Tribunal hears O'Brien gave contributions to FG

The Moriarty Tribunal heard evidence today that former Esat boss Denis O'Brien contributed to and attended a number of Fine Gael functions prior to winning the licence to operate the State's second mobile phone service.

The Tribunal was told today that Denis O'Brien's companies were stretched for cash in mid-1995.

However, having recruited the former head of Young Fine Gael, Dan Egan, as a consultant, Denis O'Brien, who was bidding for the phone license, attended a number of Fine Gael functions.

The Tribunal heard that Mr O'Brien gave close on £7,000 to the party as part of its fundraising.

The Tribunal also heard that Denis O'Brien held meetings with Enda Kenny and Richard Bruton.

However, it was stated that Enda Kenny had no recollection of such a meeting and that Richard Bruton had no involvement in the awarding of the license.