The man who first alleged that Mr Ray Burke had received money from construction companies told the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste in July that he was willing to give evidence to a tribunal on the matter.
Mr James Gogarty conveyed this offer to Mr Ahern and Ms Harney on July 3rd, when he sent them a copy of a letter that he had sent to a former TD, Mr Michael McDowell, about the possible broadening of the terms of reference of the McCracken tribunal. In that letter, a copy of which has been seen by The Irish Times, he said: "I have given an undertaking to give sworn evidence, and independent corroboration to ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done."
He wrote to Mr Ahern and Ms Harney: "I am determined to fight on for justice whatever the cost to my health or otherwise, and despite political and other attempts to discredit me by inspired media implications that I am an anonymous trouble maker with ulterior motives."
Mr Gogarty sent copies of his letter to the Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, the Labour leader, Mr Dick Spring, the Democratic Left leader, Mr Proinsias De Rossa, Mr Trevor Sargent, of the Green Party, the Socialist Party deputy, Mr Joe Higgins, Mr Tommy Broughan, of the Labour Party, and Mr McDowell.
The Government last week rejected Opposition demands that the payment to Mr Burke be included in the terms of reference for the new tribunal on the grounds that the Garda was already investigating the matter.
It is understood that no Government representative spoke to Mr Gogarty on foot of his letter.
A Government spokesman said yesterday Mr Gogarty's letter had been referred to the Department of Justice, which had been dealing with his representations. Government sources pointed to the fact that Mr Gogarty has not signed a Garda statement outlining his allegations, and suggested that his stated undertaking to give sworn evidence should be viewed in this context.
Mr Gogarty's allegation, rejected by Mr Burke in the Dail last week, is that two construction companies, Joseph Murphy Structural Engineering (JMSE) and Bovale Developments, each gave Mr Burke £40,000 at a meeting in his home in June 1989.
Mr Burke told the Dail that he had received an unsolicited political donation of £30,000 from JMSE, and nothing from Bovale. This is backed up by Mr Michael Bailey, of Bovale, who was present at the 1989 meeting.
Mr Burke told the Dail: "If Mr Gogarty is indeed the source of these allegations, then he is the author of a campaign of lies against me."