Flynn faces more questions on £50,000 cheque

Mr Pádraig Flynn is due back before the planning tribunal today to face further questioning on the circumstances surrounding a £50,000 cheque he received from a builder in 1989.

During two days of testimony last week the former EU commissioner and environment minister maintained the money was an unsolicited political contribution and used solely for financing his election campaign.

He said he saw "nothing wrong" in accepting the cheque from Mr Tom Gilmartin, even though he was aware the Sligo-born developer had made serious allegations of corruption against members of Fianna Fáil weeks beforehand.

He had no concerns about the fact the cheque was made out to cash.

He said Mr Gilmartin, who was trying to build two huge shopping centres at Bachelor's Walk and Quarryvale, never asked him for any favours in return for the money, which was almost equivalent to Mr Flynn's ministerial salary.

Mr Flynn said he would have no reluctance in accepting a similar donation again if the circumstances arose.

The former Mayo TD also claimed his wife, Dorothy, had set up three non-resident accounts, into one of which the £50,000 cheque was lodged. He said he gave his wife the cheque and didn't know what happened to the money.

The accounts were set up in the couple's names, with their address given as Northumberland Road, Chiswick, West London. Mr Flynn accepted last week neither he nor his wife had ever lived at this address.

Mrs Flynn has previously told the tribunal she knew nothing of these bank accounts.

Tax was eventually paid on the £50,000 to the Revenue Commissioners as part of a settlement in 1999, the tribunal was told.