Dunlop describes being 'under siege' for money

Mr Frank Dunlop has described being "under siege" for money prior to the Dublin City Council election in June 1991.

Dunlop: under siege for money

The former Government press secretary told the Flood tribunal this morning that during the run-up to the election, he was "under siege for money from quite a range of people, most of them councillors, with whom I was dealing with on a daily basis".

The claim came as counsel for the tribunal, Mr John Gallagher SC, continued to question Mr Dunlop about his dealings with councillors in relation to a rezoning motion on Paisley Park lands in Carrickmines in May 1991.

Mr Dunlop said he had a series of meetings with various council members, seeking their support in opposing a motion that would have severely restricted the chances of having the 108-acre plot of land rezoned.

He said he lobbied a "significant number" of councillors, particularly Fianna Fáil members but also a number of Fine Gael representatives.

Mr Dunlop named Mr Tony Fox, Mr Sean Gilbride, Mr Colm McGrath and the late Mr Tom Hand, Mr Cyril Gallagher and Mr Jack Larkin among the councillors he met. All but Mr Hand were Fianna Fáil members.

At all of these meetings, he insisted that no money would be handed over "at this time", despite being asked by several public representatives.

Mr Dunlop said Mr Gilbride indicated to him that his support "would require money". He also claimed Mr Larkin said he "would need a few bob".

Mr Fox also allegedly told Mr Dunlop that "he would be supportive, as he had been supportive and would continue to be, but the normal rules of engagement would apply". This he took to mean money, Mr Dunlop said, adding that Mr Fox told him that he (Mr Dunlop) would "have to look after people".

Mr Dunlop insisted that no money was handed over in relation to the motion, which was eventually passed narrowly.