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Nama: Wall of silence greets explosive Spotlight revelations

All the key players linked to the Project Eagle controversy remained silent yesterday in the wake of fresh allegations of corruption.

BBC Spotlight broadcast secret recordings which appeared to show businessman Frank Cushnahan accepting a bag of cash from Co Down property developer John Miskelly.

The money was alleged to have changed hands in 2012 when Mr Cushnahan was still working as an adviser to Nama.

The same programme also aired recordings of discussions between Mr Cushnahan and Mr Miskelly which made reference to Sammy Wilson "working behind the scenes" in relation to Project Eagle, as well as meetings between the developer and former DUP leader Peter Robinson.

The two men also discussed payments to Mr Robinson's son Gareth and dealings with former Ulster Bank executive Ronnie Hanna, who was a member of Nama's northern advisory committee alongside Mr Cushnahan.

Video courtesy of BBC Spotlight

This programme is also available on the BBC iPlayer   bbc.co.uk/iplayer 

Nama yesterday refused to comment on the Spotlight allegations, as did the National Crime Agency, which has been conducting a 14-month investigation into the Project Eagle sale.

The Irish News made contact with Mr Wilson, however, he hung up after saying he had not seen the programme and would not be responding.

Efforts were made to contact both Mr Robinson and his son but neither returned the calls.

There was also no comment from Mr Miskelly, Mr Hanna or Mr Cushnahan.