Mahon to resume hearing Gilmartin evidence

The Mahon tribunal will today resume hearing evidence from property developer Mr Tom Gilmartin, who sensationally accused a former Fianna Fáil TD of blackmail yesterday.

Mr Gilmartin claimed Mr Liam Lawlor had burst, uninvited, into meeting of a London  investment firm, Arlington Securities, demanding to be paid off to ensure their £100 million project on the River Liffey's north quays didn't collapse.

The Co Sligo-born developer claimed Mr Lawlor told the meeting he was appointed by the Irish Government to "take care" of the area and that having him on board would mean the difference between success and failure.

Mr Lawlor allegedly demanded a 20 per cent cut of the profits "on behalf of the Irish Government" and then when that was refused, demanded a once-off payment of £100,000.

He also tried to get half of Mr Gilmartin's share of the proceeds. Mr Lawlor was eventually paid £57,000 in what he claims were political donations by Arlington before the project collapsed.

Mr Gilmartin also contradicted evidence given by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, yesterday about the timing of their meetings. Mr Gilmartin claims he first met the-then minister for labour in his Department offices in October 1987. Mr Ahern has said he first met Mr Gilmartin a year later.

The tribunal is expected to detail further his dealings with Mr Ahern and other ministers at the time, including the former Minister for the Environment, Mr Pádraig Flynn.

Tribunal lawyers are anxious to hear Mr Gilmartin's account of the circumstances surrounding his payment of a £50,000 cheque to Mr Flynn. The former Mayo TD and EU Commissioner admits getting this cheque but claims he thought it was for £5,000 and it went on legitimate election expenses.