Cllr John O’Donnell to feature on RTE investigation into conflicts of interest

A Donegal councillor is one of three politicians who offered to lobby on behalf of a fictitious wind farm company in exchange for money or the promise of a loan or an investment in a private business, according to RTÉ.
RTE’s Investigations Unit has produced a report, to be broadcast tonight, in which the councillors all agreed to work secretly on behalf of a fictitious company, which was created as part of an investigation by RTÉ into serious conflicts of interest in local and national politics.
Independent Donegal Cllr John O’Donnell said he would be willing to work with the fictitious company to help develop the wind farm.
When asked if he wanted to be paid, he said he required “nothing to do a small section of work”, but at a later point said the company could sit down with a third party, through whom he would get paid.
A statement issued on behalf of Cllr O’Donnell said his reference to a payment was made on the basis that he as a businessman might be participating in any project that materialised from work he would be completing as a businessman.
He said any payments for such work would be dealt with by a professional team he was putting together, and strictly in accordance with the law and ethics disclosure procedures.
 
Statement in full –