Gilmartin describes Flynn as 'absolutely honourable'

Despite their differences over the circumstances concerning a £50,000 cheque, property developer Mr Tom Gilmartin has told the Mahon tribunal he believes Mr Pádraig Flynn always behaved "absolutely honourably".

Mr Gilmartin made the comment about the former Fianna Fáil minister and EU commissioner during cross-examination by Mr Flynn's counsel, Mr Bernard Madden.

The tribunal has heard Mr Gilmartin paid the Mayo politician £50,000 in 1989, which he says was intended for Fianna Fáil party funds. The money never made it into the party coffers.

The witness agreed today with Mr Madden that this was a "no strings attached" donation and that there were "no guarantees, obligation or anything else" connected to it.

He said he had complained to Mr Flynn about the various problems he was having in Dublin property deals, but at no stage did Mr Flynn offer to do him any favours in return for the money.

"[Mr Flynn] was absolutely honourable at all times . . . despite the blackening of his name and mine in the press," Mr Gilmartin said. He said he never expected any preferential treatment in return for the donation. "At no time did he offer favours or did I ask."

Mr Flynn accepts that he received the cheque from Mr Gilmartin, but disputes Mr Gilmartin's account of when and where it was paid.

Mr Gilmartin claims he gave it to the former minister for the environment at the Customs House on June 2 ^nd, 1989. However, Mr Madden said Mr Flynn will say he was canvassing for an election in Co Mayo at the time.

His personal diary shows he was at various meetings on May 31 ^st, June 2 ^ndand June 3 ^rd, while his Departmental diary shows no engagements on those dates apart from a meeting in Belmullet, Co Mayo, on June 3 ^rd.

Mr Gilmartin has previously told the tribunal Mr Flynn had phoned him at home in early September 1998 asking him to say he had not paid him £50,000. In a second phone call that month, Mr Flynn asked Mr Gilmartin to say the payment had been returned, the tribunal was told. Mr Flynn made a similar request in another call that month.

On all occasions Mr Gilmartin refused, saying he would not lie under oath for anyone, the tribunal heard.