Burke expected to deny meeting developer

Former Fianna Fáil TD Mr Ray Burke is expected to tell the Mahon tribunal tomorrow that he has never met property developer Mr Tom Gilmartin.

Mr Burke is expected to say that, to the best of his recollection, there never was a meeting between Mr Gilmartin and government ministers in Leinster House in 1989, as Mr Gilmartin has claimed.

Another former minister, Mrs Mary O'Rourke, has told the tribunal that Mr Burke was among the ministers who were present when she briefly attended a meeting between cabinet ministers and Mr Gilmartin around February 1989. Other ministers whom the developer says were present either cannot recollect the meeting or say it did not take place.

Immediately after the meeting, Mr Gilmartin says he was subjected to a £5 million demand for money from an unidentified man.

Mr Burke is one of three Fianna Fáil figures who are scheduled to give evidence when the tribunal resumes tomorrow after a two-week break for Easter.

Former minister of state Mr Ned O'Keeffe and former senator Mr Willie Farrell are also scheduled to appear in the witness box, after Mr Gilmartin completes giving evidence.

Further senior Fianna Fáil figures are scheduled to give evidence throughout the week, including the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, on Wednesday, former Taoiseach Mr Albert Reynolds on Thursday and former minister Mr Gerard Collins on Friday. The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, completed his evidence before Easter.

Mr Gilmartin has told the tribunal he met Mr O'Keeffe in Heathrow airport in the company of Mr Liam Lawlor when the latter two men were en route to Baghdad on beef-related business.

Mr Gilmartin also claims that he told Mr Farrell about the £5 million demand a few days after it happened. He knew Mr Farrell, who was from his part of Co Sligo, from childhood days.

The two men met in the politician's office in Leinster House, he has told the tribunal.

According to Mr Gilmartin, Mr Farrell was concerned that someone would overhear and suggested they meet later in a nearby hotel. When they did, he repeated his story. Mr Farrell was again concerned about being overheard and they moved up to his room.

Mr Farrell has told the tribunal he does not recall Mr Gilmartin telling him about any demand.