Brennan, McGowan challenge tribunal costs ruling

Builders Tom Brennan and Joseph McGowan are challenging the Mahon Tribunal’s decision to make them pay their own legal costs arising from the tribunal’s investigations.

Judge Alan Mahon ordered the pair to pay their own legal fees after ruling that they obstructed the work of the tribunal.

Judge Mahon found that they failed to disclose payments to Fianna Fáil politician Ray Burke and colluded to disguise payments to Mr Burke as the proceeds of fund-raising in the UK.

The tribunal heard today that the two builders had lodged a writ with the High Court last Friday challenging Judge Mahon’s right to refuse them their costs.

Their lawyers are arguing that this refusal amounted to a sanction imposed by the tribunal.