The former government press secretary and lobbyist Mr Frank Dunlop today told the Flood tribunal he was wrong and stupid to lie to the inquiry when he began giving evidence three years ago.
Mr Dunlop said he was not a model witness. However, some other people should follow his example and give whatever evidence they have to the tribunal.
He conceded today that he lied to his legal advisors and deliberately omitted items from his statement when he first gave evidence in April 2000. He apologised to the tribunal chairman and added his life had changed dramatically after Mr Justice Flood had asked him to reflect on his evidence.
Questioned as to why his evidence should now be believed, Mr Dunlop said he had nothing to gain by telling it other than it is.
Mr Dunlop also described the effect of his involvement with the tribunal. "I have no employment, I have no business, I have no clients," he said. He added that people he had once had a relationship with now regard him as "a pariah".