The former Fine Gael minister, Mr Michael Lowry, predicted last night that his controversial claim in 1995 that "a cosy cartel" operated in the semi-State sector would come home to roost in the coming weeks.
Mr Lowry said he stands by the allegation he made during the controversy over the proposed sale of land at Horgan's Quay in Cork to local property developer Mr Owen O'Callaghan.
It emerged yesterday that three Fianna Fail TDs who were given election donations from Mr O'Callaghan over the last 10 years - the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, Mr Batt O'Keeffe and Mr Liam Lawlor - strongly defended the Horgan's Quay sale in the Dail in 1995.
Dail records show that the three TDs, then opposition deputies, had prolonged and bitter clashes on the matter with the then minister, Mr Lowry.
Mr Lowry said last night: "What has emerged since that, and I believe what will emerge in the coming weeks, will completely justify the action I took at that time in stopping the sale from going through." Both Mr Martin and Mr O'Keeffe said yesterday the donations were not linked to political favours. Mr Martin received u£6,500 over four election campaigns and Mr O'Keeffe u£10,000 for the 1992 general election campaign.
Mr Lowry announced last night that he would be contesting the next general election as an independent candidate. Last week the Fine Gael leader, Mr Bruton, said Mr Lowry would be admitted back into the party if he fulfilled all his tax liabilities.