Supporters threaten more protests over Quinn jailing

Further protests over the jailing of Seán Quinn are not being ruled out following a cross-border picket by supporters of the former billionaire businessman on both sides of the border yesterday.

A group of around 100 people including Quinn Group workers, former staff, and locals took part in a well-orchestrated and good-humoured blockade of various plants in the Quinn Group which are now outside the family’s control in Ballyconnell, Co Cavan, and Derrylin, Co Fermanagh.

Lorries, agricultural machinery, and other large vehicles were used to block the entrances to firms including Quinn Packaging, Quinn Therm, and Quinn Cement.

Protesters are demanding that Mr Quinn and his family be allowed to retain some economic interest and operational involvement in the businesses he established over the past 40 years.

Mr Quinn was sentenced to nine weeks in prison last Friday for contempt of court. The 66-year-old is due to be released from Mountjoy on Jan 4.

In a statement, the protesters said they were angered and dismayed at the ongoing “senseless and damaging” dispute between the Quinn family and the IBRC.

They claimed communities in the border areas were suffering as a result of the legal battle between the parties. “We will no longer stand idle while we watch our livelihoods disintegrate,” they warned.

The protesters issued a six-point list of demands including the release of Mr Quinn to allow for mediated resolution talks to be held between the businessman’s family and IBRC.

In a statement, the Quinn Manufacturing Group said yesterday’s protests were linked to the ongoing legal dispute between the Quinn family and the IBRC over which it had no influence.

Meanwhile, Seán Quinn Jr told Shannonside/Northern Sound Radio that his father was adjusting to life in prison after members of his family had visited him in Mountjoy over the weekend.