[Article] Wright 'conspired to mislead' Tribunal

star gazer

http://www.rte.ie/news/2003/1023/flood.html
Wright 'conspired to mislead' Tribunal

October 23, 2003

(12:47) Fianna Fáil TD GV Wright has been accused of conspiring to mislead the Mahon Tribunal over planning bribes.

Lobbyist Frank Dunlop testified this morning that he and Mr Wright had agreed to pass off cash payments of at least £7,500 as political donations.

But Mr Dunlop admits that this was a 'smokescreen' to cover improper payments for rezoning.


Frank Dunlop said GV Wright asked for an urgent meeting before the lobbyist began his testimony at the tribunal in April 2000.

He said when they met at the bar of the Merrion Hotel Mr Wright was in a 'somewhat agitated' state and wanted to know whether Mr Dunlop was going to mention a £5,000 payment in November 1992.

The Tribunal heard this was made at Mr Wright's office in Malahide to ensure his on-going support for the Quarryvale project.

At the time of the Merrion Bar meeting, Mr Wright also had an internal party inquiry pending and Mr Dunlop said he seemed disappointed that it was going to be revealed.

Mr Dunlop said both men agreed that this payment as well as at least £2,500 made in January 1993 and another payment in 1991 would be described as legitimate political donations.

But he said that this was not the case and that both of them knew it.

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Justice has to run it's course. This looks apalling tough and considering that Gilmartin has to be called yet there is going to be a lot more mud in the Mahon tribunal to be thrown around.
It is awful to think that while people struggled in the eighties and early nineties some guys like Burke apparently(Flood interim report) got away with a lot.

mike65

Is'nt that the nice and helpful GV Wright as lauded by Bard?

Mike.