Reynolds changes stance on meeting

The former Taoiseach Mr Albert Reynolds appears to have changed his position in relation to a controversial alleged meeting with developer Mr Tom Gilmartin and other Fianna Fáil ministers in February 1989.

Lawyers for Mr Reynolds told the tribunal yesterday he has no recollection of attending a meeting with Mr Gilmartin and the other ministers in Leinster House, as described by the developer. However, the tribunal's opening statement records Mr Reynolds as saying he "did not attend" the claimed meeting.

Mr Gilmartin has alleged he was subjected to a £5 million extortion demand outside the meeting in the Fianna Fáil party rooms. But most of those he says were present either deny the meeting took place or cannot recollect the event.

Yesterday, Mr Michael Cush SC, for Mr Reynolds, said it was his client's firm belief that if he had attended the claimed meeting in February 1989 he would have remembered it.

Mr Cush outlined Mr Reynolds position yesterday during a brief appearance to seek representation before the tribunal, which was granted. Mr Reynolds is scheduled to give evidence next week.

Last month, Mr John Gallagher SC, for the tribunal, said in an opening statement that Mr Reynolds would say "he did not attend any meeting in February 1989 or indeed any other meeting with Mr Tom Gilmartin".

According to Mr Gallagher, Mr Reynolds will also say he has no recollection of being told in 1993 by the Fianna Fáil national organiser, Mr Seán Sherwin, about the £50,000 paid by Mr Gilmartin to another former minister, Mr Pádraig Flynn.