Until now, Mr Haughey in correspondence had denied knowledge of the payments.But Mr McGonigal said the evidence would also show the politician did not know the money came from Mr Dunne.Mr Haughey has now agreed to testify to the tribunal, probably later this month, after being subpoenaed.Mr McGonigal said documents would also contest the now-celebrated claim by Mr Dunne that he dropped in for tea with a depressed-looking Mr Haughey at the latter’s house in late 1991 and gave him three bank drafts worth pounds 210,000 with the words, “Here’s something for yourself,” to which Mr Haughey had reportedly replied “Thanks, big fella.”The tribunal, also heard between pounds 30m and pounds 40m passed through secret numbered sterling and Deutschmark accounts in Guinness Mahon bank in Dublin, though it was not suggested the bulk of this went to the politician.Funds taken from these accounts were used to pay Mr Haughey’s living expenses and to secure a loan to the helicopter firm controlled by Mr Haughey’s son Ciaran.Counsel for the tribunal, Denis McCullough, revealed a critical breakthrough in the tribunal’s bank investigations. The former Taioseach’s legal counsel, Eoin McGonigal, told the payments- to-politicians tribunal at Dublin Castle that evidence from the former Fianna Fail party leader would show that cheques probably did reach Dublin bank accounts controlled on his behalf.
This is the first time Mr Haughey’s side has indicated he did benefit from alleged gifts detailed earlier to the tribunal by Mr Dunne. Tucker said that she had been “a little bit conservative” when riding Saturday’s cross-country, aware that the mud and the hills might sap her mount’s energy. When the ball came loose, Bradley was there again to take Paul Anderson’s astute pass to go over.Bradford showed the same predatory instincts midway through the half, when McNamara took an equally good pass from Glen Tomlinson and carried Francis Cummins over the try line with him.In between those two Bradford tries, both goaled impressively by McNamara, Leeds scored one of their own and could have had two more.Barrie McDermott was the successful home player, driving over from close range after picking up at dummy half. “I find it all extremely disappointing that this internecine argument should cloud a great year for the game,” he said.The meeting will also see the final power play between Cliff Brittle, the executive committee chairman, and the man the RFU have put up against him, Bob Rogers, a Worthing solicitor.. “How much more of this undemocratic behaviour must be see before the game revolts.”Hallett defended the decision and insisted his appointment was completely above board. “It makes you want to chuck in the game.”In a letter circulated to clubs, the RFU point out that Rule 12 gives the committee total power regardless of members’ views.”It is cynical and contemptuous,” said Derek Mann, organiser of the Middlesex Sevens and the county’s representative on the RFU committee.

Small clubs are demanding that the job be advertised and expect to carry the vote on a show of hands, but the RFU hierarchy have taken legal advice which says they need not take any notice of motions passed on 11 July.
“They’re treating us like kids,” said Russ Jenkins, chairman of Manchester RFC, who tabled the motion. The striker flew to the Principality yesterday for talks that could lead to a pounds 2m move.. Grassroots clubs reacted angrily yesterday over what they described as “the latest shabby move” by the game’s hierarchy. They have been told that whatever they decide at next month’s Rugby Football Union annual meeting, their Twickenham bosses may choose to ignore them. The battle centres around the promotion of Tony Hallett from secretary to chief executive.

Brolin is admired by Prince Albert who has suggested that the club sign him. It’s an exceptional situation but it’s one I understand and I also agreed to it.”Robson may have paid the price for Barcelona finishing second to Real Madrid in the league, and now he could find himself thrust into another league dominated by two big clubs.Tomas Brolin, Leeds United’s unsettled Swedish international, is about to move to the French champions, Monaco – by royal request. I suppose it’s the first time in history something like this has happened so it seems I’ve made history.”The Ajax coach, Louis van Gaal, is expected to take over as coach at the Nou Camp, but Robson – offered an upstairs role by the club – added: “I don’t have to leave. “We’re interested in appointing a head coach with a track record that proves he’s a top class coach.”Robson saw his side win the Spanish Cup against Real Betis on Saturday night – and admitted it would be a great way to pull down the curtain on his stormy yet successful year in Barcelona.The former England manager said: “If it’s my last game [at Barcelona] then it’s a great way to finish. She is expected to bring the boat back to Hamble to prepare for the second, a record time round Britain and Ireland, at the end of next month..

The Celtic general manager, Jock Brown, yesterday refused to be drawn on the club’s new first team coach – but Bobby Robson dropped a clear hint he is prepared to leave Barcelona. Robson has been strongly tipped to be the man Celtic want to lead them into a new era of Scottish football. But Brown refuses to discuss names, beyond insisting that the new coach will have a proven track record in football’s big league.
“We won’t respond to speculation,” said Brown, who has only been in his post for less than a week. Sailing

Still with 1,000 miles to run and sailing at only six knots in the light airs of a high pressure system, Tracy Edwards abandoned the first of her three challenges in the 92ft catamaran Royal & Sun Alliance, to set a new transatlantic record. The Bundesliga runners- up bought midfielder Emerson from Gremio for eight million marks (pounds 3.1m) earlier this month..