Fixer’s fee for Frank Cushnahan over NAMA portfolio
SDLP Finance spokesperson Claire Hanna has called for an independent cross-border inquiry into the sale of the NAMA northern property portfolio.
It follows revelations by BBC Spotlight around the nature of Frank Cushnahan’s involvement in the deal.
During an undercover recording of a meeting, Frank Cushnahan discussed work he did with solicitor Ian Coulter of Tughans & Co.
Cushnahan said: “You know when I was working on that Cerberus thing to get that thing out, he worked with me to get that. And basically all the work was done by me and him.”
He went on to say his role was deliberately hidden because of Nama’s objections.
Claire Hanna, who is deputy chair of the Finance Committee which has been probing the NAMA deal, said: “Spotlight has really blown the lid on the backroom dealings that went on around the NAMA northern property deal.
“As far back as July the SDLP asked for the Assembly to be recalled to get a handle on these emerging issues.
“In a matter as serious as this, sunlight is the best disinfectant but eight months of unanswered questions and limited inquiries later we are no further to getting to the bottom of what appears to be a dodgy deal.
“There is now a clear need for a fully independent inquiry that compels answers from governments north and south of the border and all those involved in this deal that led to such a shocking loss for the taxpayer.
“The NCA investigation must also be expedited and full co-operation must be given by all concerned into any investigations undertaken by US authorities.”
