Frank Dunlop will not be allowed to claim alleged bribes against his tax liability according to the Revenue Commissioners.
In the latest module of the Mahon Tribunal, Mr Dunlop claims that he paid bribes of £1,000 each to three county councillors in 1993 to get lands at Lissenhall near Swords rezoned for light industrial use.
Lawyers for county councillors involved have accused Mr Dunlop of making up the bribery allegations to reduce his tax liability because the inquiry has discovered he got almost £28,000 from the owners of the lands, Rayband Ltd.
However, today a spokesman for the Revenue Commissioners said financial gifts given to politicians are not tax deductible whether they are bribes or legitimate donations.
