At the Flood Tribunal Oliver Barry has denied ever telling his partner in Century Radio about rumours of a so called price list for broadcasting licences. His claim directly contradicts evidence given by James Stafford which led to a key element of the Flood Tribunal's investigations. Mr Stafford had earlier told the Tribunal that Mr Barry told him of rumours about a price list involving PJ Mara and Ray Burke. Both men have strongly denied the claim. Today Mr Barry said that he had no recollection of ever telling Mr Stafford this. He said that he was sure he would remember it if he did.
Mr Barry also denied a claim made by James Stafford that PJ Mara claimed Century owed him £30,000 in 1990. Mr Barry said that the only mention of money was when he discussed the possibility of a consultancy job for Mr Mara. This backs up what Mr Mara is likely to say when he takes the witness stand. This was despite the fact that Century Radio was in dire financial circumstances at the time.
Earlier, the former Government Press Secretary, PJ Mara, was ordered by the Tribunal to hand over all his financial records since 1988. Mr Mara's lawyers told the Tribunal this morning that he was willing to fully co-operate. An Order for Discovery was made against Mr Mara late last year. He now has until next week to comply with the Order.
Mr Mara's barrister told the Tribunal he was concerned that allegations had been made last July against his client and he still had not had an opportunity to vindicate his good name. The allegations concerned rumours of a so-called "price list" for licences involving Mr Mara and former Communications Minister, Ray Burke. Both have vigorously denied the claim.
