FBI agent Mr David Rupert was described by an American source as "a street-smart criminal who would anything for money", a defence lawyer for alleged "Real IRA" leader Mr Michael McKevitt told the Special Criminal Court yesterday.
Mr Rupert, who worked for the FBI and British intelligence, is the chief prosecution witness in the forthcoming trial of Mr McKevitt, who is the first person charged in the Republic with directing terrorist activity.
Mr McKevitt (51), Beech Park, Blackrock, Dundalk, Co Louth, is charged that between August 29th, 1999, and March 28th, 2001, he was a member of the IRA and that he directed its activities.
Mr Hugh Hartnett SC, for Mr McKevitt, said that according to documents disclosed to the defence, Mr Rupert has had a "very chequered criminal career."
One American source ha described him as "a street-smart criminal who would do anything for money." He said one document appeared to show that Mr Rupert falsely alleged that Det Chief Supt (now Assistant Commissioner) Dermot Jennings had not paid him money which was due to him. The document showed that Mr Rupert had lied to Det Supt Jennings and had tried to cheat him. This document signed by "agent C" suggested that Det Chief Supt Jennings had expressed his personal opinion about Mr Rupert in June 1999 and it was not favourable.
Mr Hartnett also said other documents suggested Mr Rupert was involved in negotiations with the FBI over a £1 million the Internal Revenue Service demand which was eventually settled for $25,000. He said the defence was not aware of what money was or was not paid to Mr Rupert by the gardaí and required further discovery.
Mr George Birmingham SC, prosecuting, said the State had furnished the defence with new documentation provided by the British authorities and as far as the State was aware the all documentation from both the FBI and the British had been given to the defence.
Mr Birmingham said the State had concerns about Mr Rupert's safety as he had successfully infiltrated the "Real IRA" leadership and was anxious to go ahead with the trial. Mr Hartnett said the defence would not be in a position to proceed on June 4th. Mr Justice Barr said it appeared unrealistic that the trial would go ahead then and indicated that a new date would be some time early next year.
The court was told at an earlier hearing that Mr Rupert was observed by gardaí meetingMr McKevitt on a number of occasions. The court also heard that he successfully infiltrated the "Real IRA" leadership and attended its army council meetings.
Mr McKevitt was remanded in continuing custody until May 29th.