Minister Martin Cullen was greeted by angry workers this afternoon as he paid a visit to the Waterford Crystal plant in Kilbarry.

Workers at Waterford Crystal are supporting a bid for the company made by Clarion Capital.

China and crystal maker Waterford Wedgwood has received a “substantial” rescue bid from a US private equity firm, it was reported today.

Hundreds of workers are set to spend a fourth day occupying the Waterford Crystal factory in the hope that a bid from a second US-based consortium could save hundreds of jobs.

WATERFORD Crystal workers last night spent a third night occupying the Kilbarry plant in the hope that a bid from a US private equity firm, Clarion Capital, could save 480 jobs.

Hundreds of workers were occupying Ireland's world-famous Waterford Crystal factory tonight after being told by text message they were losing their jobs.