Finnegan knew about donation - McGowan
Tuesday, 25 September 2001 17:05
Builder Joe McGowan has told the Flood Tribunal that auctioneer John Finnegan knew about and contributed to a political donation of £60,000 in 1984. However, Mr McGowan conceded that he may not have mentioned Ray Burke's name.
John Finnegan has denied any knowledge of a payment to Ray Burke, even though some of his money was used. He says the builders Brennan and McGowan led him to believe it was for architect's fees on a land deal involving the three men.
Joe McGowan claims to have discussed the political donation with John Finnegan. He said that he would have spoken about Fianna Fáil but could not recall mentioning Ray Burke's name.
But Mr McGowan could not explain why this payment was recorded on company documents as future expenses or architect's fees, nor could he explain why it was paid to an off shore company owned by Ray Burke.
Tribunal lawyers asked why, if there was nothing wrong with this payment, was it not made in Ireland? Why would a politician direct a donation to an off shore account? Mr McGowan said that he could not answer those questions.
- 1.00 News: Vivienne Traynor reports from Dublin Castle
