Politicians accused of corruption by Mr Frank Dunlop today failed in an effort to halt the Flood tribunal's investigation into the lobbyist's allegations.
Cllr Liam Cosgrave had called on the tribunal to stand down its investigation into allegations by Mr Dunlop. However, following today's ruling against him, an appeal to the High Court now looks likely.
Cllr Cosgrave was supported by lawyers for other councillors accused of corruption, including counsel for the late Cllr Tom Hand and Mr Cormac Ó Dúlacháin.
The three judges of the tribunal said Mr Cosgrave had been given in the past, and would again in the future be given, adequate opportunity to defend his good name.
In the ruling, the tribunal also said it had taken notice that the credibility of Mr Dunlop was tainted following his admission that he had lied in the witness box in April 2000. The chairman of the tribunal said his evidence would be treated with great caution.
A request by counsel for the politicians for access to Mr Dunlop's bank records and his private interviews with tribunal lawyers, which they say could help clear their names, was also refused by the tribunal today.