Cork Businessman Ted Cunningham has made two appearances in recent weeks in the Dail and was a guest of controversial TD Luke 'Ming' Flanagan.

Mr Flanagan said that Mr Cunningham was in Leinster House to take part in an "anti-corruption group" meeting.

On Tuesday, May 21, Mr Cunningham, the opera-loving Cork-based financial adviser, sat directly above Taoiseach Enda Kenny in the public gallery during Leaders' Questions. Mr Cunningham sat attentively accompanied by two companions during the high-profile exchanges before heading to the Dail canteen.

Last Thursday, Mr Cunningham and two others were led through the house to a meeting room in Agriculture House, where some TDs have their offices.

Speaking to the Sunday Independent a short while later, Mr Flanagan said he signed Mr Cunningham to enable him to attend an "anti-corruption group meeting", which had been organised.

Irish Independent