The minister for the environment at the time, Mr Flynn, sought a "substantial contribution" for Fianna Fáil to "curb" the activities of George Redmond and others, Mr Gilmartin told the tribunal. Paul Cullen reports.
Mr Gilmartin said the minister asked for the contribution at a meeting in Leinster House with him and Mr Ted Dadley of Arlington Securities on April 19th, 1989.
He originally said Mr Flynn made this request on February 3rd but he recently told the tribunal this was incorrect. Asked to explain his change of mind, he said he didn't originally have his diaries available. His memory had since been triggered by various events that had led up to the meeting.
At the meeting, Mr Gilmartin said, he complained bitterly to the minister about the "roadblocks" Redmond and others were placing in front of him. He was incensed that there had been no effort by anyone in Leinster House to stop what was going on.
Mr Gilmartin said the minister talked about how Fianna Fáil was £3 million in debt.
Mr Flynn said he expected a substantial donation for the party and said it would help to stem the "carry-on" complained of.
He said he told the minister he would consider the request, although he had no intention at that time of paying money.