Haughey's counsel `hindered by delay in getting documents'

The lawyer for Charles and Maureen Haughey informed the tribunal yesterday he was reserving his position in relation to evidence being given because of delays in receiving documents.

Mr Eoin McGonigal SC said he had no witness statements or accompanying documents and this "makes it difficult from our point of view in relation to taking instructions in relation to any matters that we may wish to raise."

"I wouldn't like anyone, anywhere to take my silence as simply being an endorsement in case we have to take instructions arising out of any matter."

He added he wasn't seeking to blame the tribunal or interfere with its investigations.

Mr Justice Moriarty said he appreciated the difficulties which had arisen from the accumulation of new evidence. "It has imposed enormous last-minute pressures and late-night working hours on the tribunal's own legal advisers and I accept, by analogy, it imposes considerable and exacting demands on other parties such as Mr Haughey."

Mr Justice Moriarty said the tribunal would endeavour to ensure Mr McGonigal can represent his client effectively.

Mr McGonigal later interrupted the cross-examination of a witness to say he was unable to find a copy of the documents being discussed. He said he wished to make it known he was no longer following the discussion. "I am now at a total loss as to what's happening."

Counsel for the tribunal, Mr John Coughlan SC, said it had been "asking for these documents for a long time and we are only getting them at very short notice." In saying this, he said he was not in any way criticising counsel for the Haugheys.