A former bank manager has told the Mahon Tribunal that Fianna Fáil fundraiser Des Richardson told him money from a Manchester account would pay debts from a failed lottery venture.
Peter McKenna also said Mr Richardson told him that the lottery was a commercial venture with no connection to Fianna Fáil.
Both claims are denied by Mr Richardson.
Peter McKenna described how he negotiated a settlement of £12,500 for a debt incurred by a company called Trent Valley to Ulster Bank Mallow in 1994.
He said while pushing Des Richardson for settlement in November 1994, he was told the money would be forwarded from Manchester.
Mr McKenna also said that during a meeting with Mr Richardson in Mallow that August he was told the lottery was a commercial venture with no connection to Fianna Fáil.
Under cross examination by counsel for Mr Richardson, Mr McKenna said it was possible that Mr Richardson meant the party was not legally liable for the debt.
The tribunal heard the debt was discharged with a cheque from Willdover Ltd, which was Mr Richardson's own funds.
Mr Richardson was asked during his last appearance why he used his own money to pay off a Fianna Fáil debt.
He said he did this because he was guarantor for the overdraft facility, and because the venture was unsuccessful he did not seek reimbursement.
