Gilmartin claims -Tribunal must bring out truth
Though much of the evidence is already in the public domain, having been leaked to the media, the line-up of star personalities waiting in the wings has brought seasoned tribunal-watchers out of the woodwork.
In the coming days, they will hear Tom Gilmartin allege that in the late 1980s he was approached by a person, since identified as disgraced ex-Fianna Fáil TD Liam Lawlor, who asked him to lodge £5 million in an Isle of Man bank account in return for support for a building project.
He refused.
The Sligo-born developer also puts former Minister and European Commissioner Padraig Flynn squarely in the tribunal frame.
Among other serious allegations, he claims a meeting took place with several Cabinet ministers, including the present Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and the then-Taoiseach Charles Haughey.
But with the exception of Mr Haughey and ex-Minister Mary O'Rourke, all of those named Bertie Ahern, Gerry Collins, the late Brian Lenihan, Seamus Brennan, Padraig Flynn and Ray Burke have since developed collective amnesia or deny all knowledge of the meeting.
The tribunal heard that "due to ill-health" Mr Haughey was unable to direct his legal team.
Given the reeking atmosphere of greed and corruption in that shadowy era of Irish life, a tourist dropping into Dublin Castle could be forgiven for thinking he was in a banana republic rather than the capital of a country that holds the European Presidency.
The visitor would hear Mr Gilmartin say that in 1989, Mr Lawlor told him he "could end up in the Liffey" for comparing Fianna Fáil ministers to the Mafia.
At one point yesterday, Mr Lawlor shouted "liar" when reference was made to a demand for £100,000 from the property developer.
Though Mr Flynn, who was also present at yesterday's session, admits receiving a £50,000 cheque from Mr Gilmartin, he claims it was for political purposes and with no strings attached.
The developer also asked Mr Flynn to get Mr Lawlor and disgraced ex-Dublin city manager George Redmond, off his back.
Given the serious nature of these charges being made, it is significant that Mr Gilmartin was granted immunity against prosecution by the DPP at the request of retired tribunal chairman Feargus Flood.
In a further sign of the times, witnesses are being asked under oath if they had any involvement in the leaking of documents to the media.
And as the Arlington/Quarryvale module of the inquiry opens, both the Taoiseach and Mr Flynn have been granted legal representation.
According to the developer, Mr Lawlor told him he had been appointed by the Government to "take care" of the projects at Bachelors Walk and Quarryvale.
And when summoned to a meeting in Leinster House in February 1989, Mr Lawlor told him "the Boss" wanted to see him.
While the developer promises to be a formidable witness, given the disputed nature of many of the allegations it is vital for the tribunal to bring out the facts.
The public needs to know what really went on in the corridors of power at a time when politicians were open to bribery.
With the bill for this tribunal already topping €100m, the very least the taxpayer demands is the truth.
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