Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte today admitted defying a High Court order by disclosing information supplied to him in confidence by the Mahon tribunal.
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte
During a tense session this morning, Mr Rabbitte acknowledged that confidential testimony from lobbyist Frank Dunlop documents had been used by him in a recent press statement.
He had done this, he said, because Mr Dunlop's recent evidence on the rezoning of land at Ballycullen in the early 1990s contradicted his earlier testimony.
Mr Dunlop "was putting a construction on events that didn't happen at the time", and it was being reported in the media, the Labour Party leader said.
"The tribunal is not the only tribunal of assessment of this kind of controversy," Mr Rabbitte said, adding the payment was "attracting more attention than donations that weren't returned".
Judge Gerald Keys said the tribunal always endeavours to comply with High Court orders (in relation to the disclosure of confidential documents being furnished to relevant witnesses).
He said Mr Rabbitte would have had the opportunity to cross-examine Mr Dunlop about anything he perceived to be inconsistent about his evidence.
Mr Rabbitte said no offence to the tribunal was intended - which the judges accepted.
After the hearing, Mr Rabbitte told reporters that he had waited six years to appear before the tribunal. Had he known he would have the opportunity to counter Mr Dunlop's claims so soon, he would not have disclosed the confidential information.
He said he had intended to apologise but that he had waited six years to put his side to the story. When Mr Dunlop had changed his testimony the Labourt Party leader said he "couldn't afford to just fold my arms".
He said he was satisfied his appearance illustrated that Mr Dunlop's testimony was wrong.
When asked if he thought his prospects could be affected at the next general election because of Mr Dunlop's claim about a missing £1,000, Mr Rabbitte said "I hope not."
"To have a politician who returned donations should stand to him," he added.