FF councillor says Dunlop allegations 'outrageous'

A Fianna Fáil councillor told the Mahon tribunal that allegations of corruption made against him by the lobbyist Frank Dunlop were "outrageous" and were causing considerable stress for his family.

Tony Fox said claims by Mr Dunlop that he had given him £1,000 in return for support for the rezoning of lands near Dublin airport in 1993 were "a total fabrication".

Mr Dunlop has said that he gave the money to Mr Fox after the politician complained that he had "got nothing" when lobbied previously by a director of Cargobridge, the company that owned the lands involved. Mr Fox said he did not have any such conversation with Mr Dunlop. He accused the lobbyist of making allegations "to justify his own greed" and of changing his mind about his story.

Mr Fox also said he could not recollect any meeting with the director of the Cargobridge consortium. He said he had no problem with the rezoning of the Cargobridge lands as he was "pro-development" and the project would generate employment.

Meanwhile the legal representative of another former Fianna Fáil councillor, the late Cyril Gallagher, said that allegations made by Mr Dunlop against his client were "not just false, but totally ridiculous".

Mr Dunlop has maintained that he gave Mr Gallagher £1,000 in return for his support for the Cargobridge rezoning.

The tribunal was told by its legal team yesterday that there had been no explanation given in relation to a £2,000 lodgment to Mr Gallagher's An Post account in November 1993.

Thomas Montgomery, solicitor for the late Mr Gallagher, said this lodgment in itself did not confirm that the money came from Mr Dunlop. He said there was no evidence of any improper motive behind the receipt if there was such a receipt.