Dunlop told he would have to 'look after people'

Mr Frank Dunlop was "under siege" from politicians making requests for money before the local elections in 1991, he told the tribunal. At the time he was dealing with a wide range of county councillors on a daily basis.

Mr Dunlop's remarks came as he detailed his contacts with councillors in advance of a meeting of Dublin County Council in May 1991, at which a series of options for rezoning in Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown were discussed.

He had discussions with six councillors about the payment of money in relation to the rezoning vote, but did not pay out any money at that stage. The election was held in June 1991.

Cllr Tony Fox told him he would need to "look after people" if he wanted their support, Mr Dunlop said. He had called to Mr Fox's workplace in Rathmines/Rathgar to discuss the matter. "He indicated he would be supportive as he had been and would continue to be but that the normal rules of engagement would apply."

Mr Dunlop said he asked the councillor for his support in advance, without making any payment until it was seen how the matter went. Mr Fox agreed to this.

It was not usual for Mr Fox to ask too many questions about the merits or otherwise of land proposals. But Mr Dunlop said he didn't mean this to suggest that the councillor would "vote for anything".

"Nonetheless, the very matter that I brought the proposal to him was sufficient for him to indicate his support."

He had meeting with Cllr Jack Larkin in the Dublin County Council offices, the nearby Royal Dublin Hotel and Conways pub. Mr Larkin was an amiable man who never asked any serious questions about any developments.

Again, he didn't mean to suggest that the councillor would vote for anything, but if Cllr Sean Gilbride or Cllr Cyril Gallagher were supportive of an item, he would invariably become supportive.

Mr Larkin indicated he would support the matter but he would "need a few bob".

Mr Dunlop had a number of meetings with Mr Gilbride, who indicated his support for the proposal would "require money".

Cllr Tom Hand told him money would be required in return for his support.