The Cork property developer, Mr Owen O'Callaghan, yesterday said he had confirmed with AIB that he never had any accounts with a branch of the bank which businessman Mr Denis O'Brien alleged was used by Mr O'Callaghan to draw down a £100,000 cheque.
Mr O'Callaghan said that he had requested AIB to search its records at South Mall for any personal or corporate accounts he may have held there, but the bank had found that he had never held such accounts at the branch.
"At my request, AIB bank has conducted a search of its records following which I am satisfied that I have never held a personal or corporate account at AIB, 66 South Mall, Cork, on which branch Mr O'Brien alleges a cheque for £100,000 was drawn by me."
Mr O'Callaghan also reiterated his denial of Mr O'Brien's claim that he gave Mr O'Brien a cheque for £100,000 to be passed on in two cheques of £50,000 to two senior politicians. The claim was published in the Sunday Business Post.
Mr O'Callaghan also confirmed he had issued High Court proceedings yesterday for defamation against the Sunday Business Post and that proceedings for defamation would be issued against Mr O'Brien upon his return to Ireland.