Barry recalls meeting Haughey about giving Century `a break'

Mr Oliver Barry told the tribunal he met Mr Charles Haughey in late 1989 or early 1990 in connection with Century Radio.

Mr Oliver Barry told the tribunal he met Mr Charles Haughey in late 1989 or early 1990 in connection with Century Radio.

Mr Pat Hanratty SC, for the tribunal, asked Mr Barry about the minutes of a meeting recorded by the Bank of Ireland attended by the minister for communications, Mr Burke, Mr Barry, Mr James Stafford and bank officials in January 1990.

It mentioned that Mr Barry and Mr Stafford had met the Taoiseach, who reassured them of the government's commitment to Century Radio.

Yesterday Mr Barry said he had no recollection of a meeting.

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"I met with the Taoiseach but not about Century Radio as far as I know," he said.

After a short adjournment, Mr Hanratty said the meeting with Mr Haughey was raised at a private meeting between tribunal lawyers and Mr Barry in June 2000.

Mr Barry was asked then if he ever met Mr Haughey in connection with the minister and difficulties with RTE. Mr Barry had replied that he had.

"It was a very brief meeting and he told me he could be of no assistance."

Mr Hanratty referred to Mr Barry's earlier answer that he had met Mr Haughey but not about Century Radio. Mr Barry said he would withdraw that.

Mr Hanratty said in the private meeting Mr Barry had said he had asked Mr Haughey to use his influence with the Department and the minister and "give them a break with the ball" and "level the playing pitch".