Flood tells builder to stop shadow-boxing

The builder Mr Tom Brennan has continued his evidence at the Flood tribunal with possible contempt proceedings in the High Court still in the balance.

Last Friday Mr Justice Flood said unless certain requested documents were furnished to the tribunal by 3.45 p.m. today he would apply to the High Court for enforcement of the tribunal's order.

Today the tribunal heard details of a series of financial transactions between companies jointly owned by Mr Brennan, fellow builder Mr Joseph McGowan and auctioneer Mr John Finnegan.

Mr Pat Hanratty SC, for the tribunal, put it to Mr Brennantwo of these companies, Bouganville Ltd and Rappalo Ltd, had no staff, no offices and no services to sell.

Mr Brennan responded Mr Hanratty would have to ask the others involved.

Mr Justice Flood interjected and asked Mr Brennan to "stop shadow-boxing" as they were "getting nowhere".

Earlier today counsel for the auctioneer Mr John Finnegan said a judicial review in the High Court may be sought to ascertain the tribunal's right to investigate him.

Mr Dominic Hussey SC, for Mr Brennan and Mr McGowan, asked the tribunal chairman to release Mr Finnegan from the current "module" because he has no relevance to it.

He added his client had suffered damage as a result of the media coverage of last Friday's hearings.