Ray Burke, Arriving at the Flood Tribunal today
Former Fianna Fáil Minister Ray Burke did not give evidence to the Flood Tribunal this morning because legal objections to the taking of his testimony at this time were raised. Mr Justice Flood adjourned the tribunal to consider the submission made to him.
After weeks of speculation about when Mr Burke would appear at Dublin Castle, he made his appearance at ten past eleven this morning. He appeared upbeat and keen to get on with the business ahead. Arriving at Dublin Castle, Mr Burke told waiting reporters that he is anxious to co-operate fully with the tribunal. He said he was in high spirits and excellent health.
Mr Burke was not called to give evidence immediately and took his seat in a packed public gallery. It was the largest turn-out at the tribunal since James Gogarty left the witness box. But, as Mr Burke was called to the witness box, there were legal objections, first from council for Bailey/Bovale, Colm Allen, and then from Mr Burke's own barrister, Joseph Finnegan. Mr Allen said that he had only been given the list of documents this morning, whereas others had got them yesterday. He argued that it was unfair to call such a critical witness when there had still been no evidence given as to whether the lands under investigation by the tribunal had in fact been rezoned.
Mr Allen also complained that his clients still did not know what if any allegations had been made against them and that he had not seen documents relating to Mr Burke's evidence. Mr Burke's barrister then intervened to express concern that a booklet of documents presented to him as the basis for his client's examination went beyond the scope of James Gogarty's allegations. Mr Justice Flood adjourned to tomorrow to consider both submissions.
