The property developer Mr Tom Gilmartin is expected to challenge the recollection by the Taoiseach over a claimed meeting between the two men when the Mahon tribunal starts long-awaited hearings into Mr Gilmartin's allegations later today.
It is understood that Mr Gilmartin will maintain his version of the meeting and refer to the recall of the former government minister, Ms Mary O'Rourke, who said she remembered a meeting between Mr Gilmartin and senior ministers around this time.
Mr Ahern is expected to tell the tribunal he was attending a function in Glasnevin at the time the developer claims he met a group of Fianna Fáil politicians and cabinet ministers including Mr Ahern at Leinster House in February 1989.
Lawyers for the tribunal will deliver an opening statement detailing their five-year inquiry into Mr Gilmartin's allegations.
Mr Gilmartin says he faced repeated demands for money when he was seeking official support for two shopping ventures in the late 1980s.
