Minister Smith: No political intervention in Quinn row

The Minister for Agriculture has said there is no question of political intervention in the controversy surrounding the Quinn Group.

Brendan Smith met employees and the company's court-appointed administrators yesterday, while another delegation of TDs and Senators met the Financial Regulator last night.

At that meeting, Matthew Elderfield stressed his independence on the issue, which has provoked protests in Dublin and Cavan, with another public rally arranged for this evening.

Minister Smith, who is also a local Fianna Fáil TD, said those attending the meeting with the regulator did not wish to pressure Mr Elderfield into accepting their invitation if he had concerns about their motives.