Hand had two Australian bank accounts

Crucial evidence has emerged which appears to confirm Mr Frank Dunlop's allegation that a Fine Gael councillor sought a £250,000 bribe from him for planning favours.

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has confirmed the late Mr Tom Hand held two accounts with the bank in the early 1990s. One account number corresponds to the number Mr Dunlop says was provided to him by the politician.

Mr Hand's family had previously denied he had an account in Australia. Their lawyers accused Mr Dunlop of "dining out" on the allegation, and picking on a deceased man "for convenience".

However, further checks by the family and the tribunal have revealed that Mr Hand did open an account with the bank in January 1990, and a second account a year later. The two accounts were closed in 1991 and 1993, respectively. The bank no longer has details to show lodgements or withdrawals.

Mr Dunlop claims Mr Hand sought the bribe in 1992 in return for his vote on the rezoning of Quarryvale in west Dublin. He says the politician handed him a sheet of the bank's headed paper with his account number written on it. He has furnished this to the tribunal.

He also claims Mr Hand persisted with his demand for the money even when the promoter of Quarryvale threatened to go to the Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton. According to Mr Dunlop, Mr Hand said of his leader: "He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He doesn't need money. I deserve it."

Mr Cormac Ó Dulachain SC, for the family of Mr Hand, said yesterday initial inquiries with the bank had been "led astray" because it hadn't emerged that records were only kept for seven years.

After further inquiries revealed the accounts, Mr Ó Dulachain said the family accepted the accounts were obviously Mr Hand's. He complained about a delay in communicating evidence that could prejudice his work on behalf of the family of a deceased person.

The Hand family were not aware of the accounts, their solicitor, Mr Vivian Matthews, told the tribunal. He had been in contact with all members of the family apart from one son who lived in Australia.

Mr Aidan Redmond, barrister, for Mr Dunlop, said there had been a clear imputation of dishonesty and even the fabrication of evidence during the cross-examination of his client on this matter. He called on Mr Ó Dulachain to withdraw any such imputation.

Mr Justice Flood intervened, saying Mr Ó Dulachain had clarified his position adequately.

When his turn to cross-examine arrived, Mr Redmond opted not to ask any questions. He said his client had been subjected to personal abuse during cross-examination by other parties, but stood "four-square" behind his evidence.

Mr Dunlop yesterday completed his evidence in this module after 23 days.