Dunlop back at tribunal

Cross-examination of the lobbyist and former Government press secretary Mr Frank Dunlop starts at the Flood tribunal today

Lawyers for the politicians Mr Dunlop accuses of corruption are expected to use the opportunity to launch a scathing attack on the allegations made by the lobbyist, and on his personal credibility.

As well as completely denying any involvement in bribery, as alleged by Mr Dunlop, some will claim the tribunal's star witness was "skimming" money off the sums he was paid by landowners to bribe county councillors.

Mr Dunlop, who has freely admitted his central role in the bribing of Dublin councillors in the 1990s, is expected to deny this charge. One of the most prominent figures in the allegations, former Fine Gael TD Mr Liam Cosgrave, has already described Mr Dunlop as "a self-confessed perjurer" and a "corrupting influence".

Last Friday, after eight days in the witness box, Mr Dunlop completed his direct evidence on allegations that he bribed nine councillors in relation to attempts to rezone land at Carrickmines in south Dublin in 1992 and 1997.

Mr Dunlop's cross-examination is expected to last at least two weeks.