DUNNES STORES paid £100,000 to Fine Gael in 1993 following a meeting between Mr Ben Dunne and the party leader, Mr John Bruton, which was organised by Mr Michael Lowry, the tribunal was told.
Mr Dunne said that after Mr Bruton had become leader of the party, Mr Lowry, who was doing a lot of work for Dunnes Stores at the time, told him (Mr Dunne) that Fine Gael was "under financial difficulties".
Mr Lowry arranged a meeting, and Mr Bruton then called to Mr Dunne's house, where they had a cup of tea and a fairly brief chat. The meeting lasted about an hour. A payment of £100,000 was later made, to the party.
Mr Dunne had previously agreed to give Fine Gael £30,000 a year for three years at a dinner which he and his wife had with the then party leader, Mr Alan Dukes, and his wife at Barberstown Castle near Celbridge, Co Kildare, in 1989.
Asked why he had agreed to give the money, Mr Dunne said "I suppose he was a good salesman."
Mr Dunne also told the tribunal that, as well as donations to politicians and political parties, he had given over £2 million to various charities. He added. "All of the Dunnes in fairness have that kind streak to them.