At the Flood Tribunal, Ray Burke was today asked to explain hundreds of cheques drawn on his current account between 1993 and 1997. The Tribunal is examining a total of £500,000 which passed through his accounts over two decades. Many of the cheques under scrutiny were made out to cash - some for as much as £500 a time. Ray Burke described this as "walking around money" a politician would need. "You don't buy drinks after a funeral for five or six people and ask the barman for a receipt," he said.
There were also his bills from the Dáil bar. This too was a political expense. He said that he frequently took groups on tours of the Oireachtas which ended in the bar. Others were for his ESB bill, but part of this could be regarded as a political expense because his office was run from home. There were also donations to local schools and charities, bills for suits - all part of a politician's life, he said.
Earlier Mr Burke's barrister Aidan Walsh said that the Chairman would have to examine the finances of other politicians to come to a fair conclusion. The tribunal believes Ray Burke received £500,000 in additional income over 20 years. Almost £120,000 remains unspent.
