The former General Secretary of Fine Gael, Mr Jim Miley, today told the Moriarty tribunal today he had thought a $50,000 donation from Telenor to Fine Gael was a personal donation from the late Mr David Austin.
Mr Miley said when he first heard about the donation, he had assumed it was a personal donation as Mr Austin had said during a phone conversation the money was currently in his "dollar account".Mr Miley said he had been surprised at the size of the amount as even though Mr Austin was a former party fundraiser, his personal donations were normally in the region of hundreds of pounds.
The donation was converted to £33,000 and was paid not directly to Fine Gael, but, to long-time party supporter Mr Frank Conroy, who endorsed it to Fine Gael.
Mr Miley said when he spoke on the matter to the party leader, Mr John Bruton, he was informed this type of donation was not welcome and should be returned.
Mr Miley will continue his evidence tomorrow.