Minister for Social Affairs Séamus Brennan has refused to comment on the conflict between his evidence to the planning tribunal and that of landowner Christopher Jones.
Speaking in Co Cavan yesterday, Mr Brennan said he did not feel it was appropriate to comment on the evidence given by Mr Jones last Friday.
In this, the south Dublin landowner flatly contradicted the politician's stated ignorance of a controversial rezoning of Mr Jones's land at Ballycullen.
Mr Jones, who described himself as an enthusiastic Fianna Fáil supporter, said he had met Mr Brennan at least twice.
He recalled being summoned to a meeting with the minister and another south Dublin TD, Tom Kitt, in the early 1990s at which the two politicians urged him to pull back on his campaign to have the Ballycullen lands rezoned.
In contrast, Mr Brennan told the inquiry earlier last week that Mr Jones never approached him about anything and insisted he had nothing to do with Ballycullen, which lies on the border of his constituency.
While Mr Brennan has read the transcript of Mr Jones's evidence, it is believed he has no memory of the meetings described by the 81-year-old businessman.
Mr Kitt, who told the tribunal he met Mr Jones but did not mention any meeting involving Mr Brennan, is currently in Argentina.
The tribunal is investigating allegations by lobbyist Frank Dunlop that he bribed seven county councillors to get Ballycullen rezoned in 1992.
It is also looking at the payment of £45,000 in political donations to over 20 politicians by Mr Jones.
Last week, tribunal lawyers revealed that Mr Jones sent Mr Brennan a cheque for £3,000 for Fianna Fáil's use nationally in 1994 as well as supporting his local fundraising efforts to the tune of £1,700.
Mr Jones shared ownership of Ballycullen with his late brother, Gerry, a well-known figure in Fianna Fáil from the 1960s.
Gerry Jones, who wore a distinctive eye-patch, was a prominent supporter of former minister Charles Haughey during the Arms Trial.
The tribunal's hearings into Ballycullen are expected to conclude this week.