The FBI agent testifying against alleged "Real IRA" leader Mr Michael McKevitt today denied his evidence in the trial had been a serial deceit.
US businessman Mr David Rupert dismissed as "purely fantasy" allegations that he had invented and concocted a story during his time in the witness box.
It was claimed that the 51-year-old had never met Mr McKevitt, despite outlining several meetings he had attended with the alleged "Real IRA" leader.
As cross-examination of Mr Rupert drew to an end, defence barrister Mr Hugh Hartnett said: "I'm putting it to you that what you have said here in court about Mr McKevitt is an entire invention and concoction."
Mr Rupert replied: "That's totally ludicrous and purely fantasy".
Mr Rupert, who claims he infiltrated dissident republican groups, is the key witness in the trial of Mr McKevitt (53) of Blackrock, Dundalk, Co Louth, who denies directing the "Real IRA" and being a member of the group.
He told the Special Criminal Court how Mr McKevitt had taken him on several trips around Co Louth.
He said that on one of these visits Mr McKevitt pointed out a place where he, his wife and a third person had nearly got caught "building a bomb or something like that".
Mr Rupert also spoke of attending several IRA meetings at secret locations. He rejected Mr Hartnett's accusation that his evidence at the trial had been a "tissue of lies".
He also rejected that his evidence had been a serial deceit. "I put it to you that you never met Mr McKevitt," the defence barrister added.
Mr Rupert replied: "That's foolishness". The trial was adjourned until tomorrow.
PA