A former senator and chairman of Monaghan County Council has pleaded guilty at the circuit court to a charge of extortion.
Francie O'Brien, with an address at Corwillan, Latton, Castleblayney, pleaded guilty to a charge of demanding €100,000 with menaces from Michael Heelan.
The offence took place at Tullyvaragh Lower, Carrickmacross, in April 2012.
The 70-year-old was remanded on bail to appear before Carrick-on-Shannon Circuit Criminal Court in November for sentencing.