Dublin auctioneer Irwin Druker has denied leaking plans for the re-development of Bachelors Walk to the media.
Mr Druker told the Mahon Tribunal that he was not responsible for newspaper articles that appeared in January 1988 about Arlington's plans for a shopping centre development.
But Mr Druker added that it would be impossible to keep secret the purchase of 70 properties opposite the headquarters of a national newspaper.
Mr Druker also admitted saying at the time that the site assembly would cost £1m in ‘ransom money’. Mr Druker said this involved the increased prices demanded by astute property owners who knew they could hold the whole project to ransom.
Earlier, the chairman of the tribunal, Alan Mahon, warned Liam Lawlor that he will lose his right to cross-examine witnesses if there is a repeat of his 'disgraceful' outburst this morning.
Mr Mahon said Mr Lawlor is not permitted to shout, roar or thump the table.
Tribunal adjourned after Lawlor outburst
Mr Lawlor, who had earlier also called witnesses 'liars', later said he apologised if he had been aggressive. Mr Mahon briefly adjourned the tribunal after Mr Lawlor's outburst.
While cross-examining former Dublin Corporation official Michael McLoone, Mr Lawlor claimed it was Marks and Spencer who first identified Quarryvale as a shopping centre site.
Mr Lawlor said both Mr McLoone and another witness, property consultant Richard Forman, were lying when they denied this. After Judge Gerard Keys contradicted him, Mr Lawlor started shouting and thumping the table.
Mr Lawlor demanded that the tribunal, which he said is costing thousands a day, bring over Marks and Spencer to answer this point.
