Terry Kilrea, Larry O'Brien's rival in the 2006 municipal election, was the first to testify at O'Brien's trial Monday. (Francois Leclerc/CBC)

Terry Kilrea kicked off the testimony at the influence-peddling trial of Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien Monday with his account of the meetings he had with O'Brien before the 2006 municipal election.

Kilrea, an O'Brien opponent in that election, has alleged an offer was made to him that his campaign expenses would be paid and he would be given a job with the federal government if he were to drop out of the race.

Those allegations spurred a police investigation and in December 2007, O'Brien was charged with two offences related to influence peddling under the Criminal Code. He has pleaded not guilty to both.

Kilrea testified on Monday that O'Brien had told him in a meeting on July 12, 2006, that some powerful Conservatives didn't want both men running in the race for mayor.

That discussion included the first mention of the alleged promise that Kilrea would be reimbursed $30,000 and that he would be appointed to the National Parole Board if he stopped his campaign.

Crown prosecutor Scott Hutchison also asked about Kilrea's ties to federal Transport Minister John Baird.

Kilrea said he had worked hard on Baird's nomination campaign and that he and Baird were close enough that Baird had dropped by one of his birthday parties.

Other witnesses, including Baird, are expected to attract attention throughout the trial.

But the lawyers in the trial also have large reputations in the field.

O'Brien's lawyer, Michael Edelson, who has represented Maher Arar, Margaret Trudeau and the Canadian Red Cross among many other high-profile clients, is known for his meticulous preparation and sharp cross-examinations.

Ottawa Mayor Larry O'Brien, on trial for influence peddling, will face testimony from a number of high-profile witnesses. (Francois Leclerc/CBC)

And prosecutor Scott Hutchison, who has 20 Supreme Court appearances behind him, will be making arguments for the Crown.

Susan Sherring, a columnist for the Ottawa Sun, however, said that Hutchison's prosecution skills might not be the only talent that impresses the reporters crowded into the courtroom.

"He's known to be a brilliant prosecutor, but for us on top of that, he also appears to be quite humorous. He's already been making jokes just in the first two days we've been watching him," she said.

The lawyers so far in the trial have been co-operative and friendly, said reporters, but that tone is expected to harden as cross-examination begins.