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Irish government ex-aide jailed Irish government ex-aide jailed
(about 1 hour later)
A former government press secretary in the Irish Republic has been jailed for 18 months for corruption.A former government press secretary in the Irish Republic has been jailed for 18 months for corruption.
Frank Dunlop was also fined 30,000 euros (£26,000) after admitting bribing councillors to re-designate land around Dublin for development in the 1990s.Frank Dunlop was also fined 30,000 euros (£26,000) after admitting bribing councillors to re-designate land around Dublin for development in the 1990s.
Judge Frank O'Donnell said: "Word must go out that the corruption of politicians or anyone in public office will attract serious penalties."Judge Frank O'Donnell said: "Word must go out that the corruption of politicians or anyone in public office will attract serious penalties."
Dunlop, 62, of Dunboyne, County Meath, had admitted five counts of corruption.Dunlop, 62, of Dunboyne, County Meath, had admitted five counts of corruption.
He admitted making payments of between 1,000 and 3,000 Irish pounds to politicians to rezone land for lucrative development deals.He admitted making payments of between 1,000 and 3,000 Irish pounds to politicians to rezone land for lucrative development deals.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Frank O'Donnell sentenced Dunlop to two years' jail with the last six months suspended. Dunlop also admitted he was given cash on behalf of landowners in 1992 and 1997, and in return bribes were paid to induce politicians to vote in favour of zoning 108 acres at Carrickmines, south Dublin, for industrial and residential use.
"This requires a custodial sentence that amounts to more than a rap on the knuckles," said the judge. What you did, you did with long-range focused criminal intent Judge Frank O'Donnell
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge O'Donnell sentenced Dunlop to two years' jail with the last six months suspended.
"This requires a custodial sentence that amounts to more than a rap on the knuckles," the judge said.
He said that Dunlop's actions had seriously undermined public confidence in the Republic's democratic system.He said that Dunlop's actions had seriously undermined public confidence in the Republic's democratic system.
"As a former officer of Fianna Fail and press officer of government you exercised considerable influence and held a dominant position as far as councillors were concerned.
"You were perceived as a person with access to influence those in higher authority.
"Some people who come before me knowingly and willingly commit their crime through a haze of addictions. What you did, you did with long-range focused criminal intent."
After being sentenced, Dunlop hugged and kissed his wife and daughter in the courtroom before leaving through a side door with prison guards.