Burke denies requesting £35,000 from Barry

Former Fianna Fáil minister Mr Ray Burke told the Flood tribunal he did not request £35,000 from the former director of Century…

Former Fianna Fáil minister Mr Ray Burke told the Flood tribunal he did not request £35,000 from the former director of Century Radio Mr Oliver Barry in May 1989.

Mr Barry has previously given evidence to the tribunal that Mr Burke asked for the amount from him.

When questioned by Mr Pat Hanratty SC for the tribunal, Mr Burke said he did not recall asking for the money and that it was his recollectionthe money was volunteered by Mr Barry.

Mr Hanratty asked Mr Burke was it not unusual for the amount to be paid in cash as Mr Barry would firstly have had to arrange for that amount to be withdrawn from his account with his bank, then travel to the bank to pick up the money and then travel to Mr Burke's offices in Leinster House with a large amount of cash.

READ MORE

Mr Burke said that he had never asked for cash and that he presumed that the cash donation was more convenient for Mr Barry.

Mr Hanratty then asked Mr Burke was he not surprised at receiving such a large amount of cash in his office to which Mr Burke replied: "I was surprised at the large amount however I was delighted to receive it."

Mr Burke received the money during the 1989 general election campaign.