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Sean Gallagher under fire for Fianna Fail fundraiser, illegal loan

Presidential front runner under scrutiny

JAMES O’SHEA,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Thursday, October 20, 2011, 8:04 AM

Updated Monday, October 24, 2011, 10:46 AM

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Sean Gallagher

Live coverage of the Irish presidential election on IrishCentral - Friday, October 28th

Presidential frontrunner Sean Gallagher has come under new scrutiny in the final week of the campaign, as his role in a fundraiser that raised $7,000 a head for discredited Fianna Fail leader Brian Cowen is being investigated as is a business loan he made to himself from one of his companies.

Gallager has sought to distance himself from Fianna Fail, the party in power during the economic collapse who are now deeply unpopular and which he is a former member of.

However, a secret fundraising dinner for the new Fianna Fail leader Brian Cowen was held in Dundalk in 2008 and Gallagher was among those who attended and solicited funds for it.

The Irish Independent reports that the event was held in the Crown Plaza Hotel, Dundalk, in early summer 2008, shortly after Cowen became Prime Minister.

His campaign rejected any talk of influence peddling. “"Sean Gallagher did attend the event. He was not requested to donate nor did he, either before, during or after the event, make a donation in a personal capacity or a corporate donation," the spokesman said.

"At no point did he actively solicit any donations. He would have been in touch with a number of people he knew to tell them it was on," the spokesman added.

Fianna Fail confirmed the fundraiser was held to the Irish Independent. "Yes, we organised a dinner in Louth in 2008. We organised it to help defray the cost of the 2007 general election. All of the donations are all recorded and reported in line with regulations," a spokesman said.

However a local businessman who attended had a different recollection"He (Gallagher) rang me up and said they were holding a function in the Crown Plaza. He had pull where nobody had pull," he said.

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"I was one of 40 listed to contribute €5,000 a head. There were 40 people selected in the county to attend. I swear to God," he said.

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cillowen | Oct 20, 2011, 06:52 PM EDT

McGuinness is Ireland - known throughout the world, friend of all the world's major players be they regarded friend or foe, the essence of diplomacy. Its the nature of things that one day America's buddy Sadam, their friend, and the next day they regarded him Satan. Gadaffi, friend to hero Mandela is another out of favor fellow who would't play ball. They'll be more of such friends of the good guys getting a cumuppence in time. The nature of sharks to feed as they do. Good guy McGuiness is an awesome choice for Prez of Ireland he has the backing of many of the heavy business hitters of this planet. We wont talk about the turkey portrayed in this article. Ooops good friend Pakistan is another with fall potential. Much once beloved Castro, their imagined put in the chambers replacement for tyrant Batista, surprized, wasn't having none of it.

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cillowen | Oct 20, 2011, 06:06 PM EDT

McGuinness is Ireland - known throughout the world, friend of all the world's major players be they regarded friend or foe. Its the nature of things that one day America's buddy Sadam, their friend, and the next day they regarded him Satan. Gadaffi, friend to hero Mandela is another out of favor fellow who would't play ball. They'll be more of such friends of the good guys getting a cumuppence in time. The nature of sharks to feed as they do. Good guy McGuiness is an awesome choice for Prez of Ireland he has the backing of many of the heavy business hitters of this planet. We wont talk about the turkey portrayed in this article.

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DublinCitizen | Oct 20, 2011, 05:03 PM EDT

In repLy to Canadianirish, YOU ARE AN OUTSIDER and thank God you don't have a choice if you support MCGuinness. Ireland is in enough trouble as it is! We could never respect him as he wants to dismantle the Republic (and I imagine is prepared to do so at the point of a gun). we won't be bullied by the Shinners. Were IS Martin's and Gerry's good friend Gadaffi when they need him - DEAD!

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ballindaggin | Oct 20, 2011, 11:40 AM EDT

Gallagher is Fianna Fail,s pig-in-a-poke.He is a failed businessman whose dragons den investments went sour.Now he needs a well paid job with all the perks and none of the risks.Wake up people and vote for the only true republican in the race.

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johhnyb | Oct 20, 2011, 11:32 AM EDT

Is that an Irish joke? A secret fundraising dinner was held in the Crown Plaza hotel in Dundalk in 2008. So we know the time, place, event and purpose. Not my idea of a secret. Can anyone help?

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canadianirish | Oct 20, 2011, 11:11 AM EDT

tsk tsk! As an outsider looking in, Mr. Gallagher struck me as someone who had something to hide. I concur with bunkerisland below...Martin McGuinness is looking better each day. He would be my choice as President.

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bunkerisland | Oct 20, 2011, 09:55 AM EDT

Martin looks better each time we learn about others running for office.

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