Following the shock decisions in relation to Quinn Group and Quinn Insurance the focus for the future had to be on ensuring that the jobs security promises by government and the Administrators of Quinn Insurance were maintained into the future.

This was stated by Marian Harkin MEP when she praised the efforts of the Quinn family for their huge contribution to the economic development of the border area.

She said: “The great manufacturing companies created by Sean Quinn are now state assets.  In this regard the recent statement of the Financial Regulator Mathew Elderfield that there can be no fire sale of state assets must be followed through in relation to the Quinn companies.

“The management of these companies has been exceptional by any standards and they are well capable of further expansion with a continuity of those workers who have built it up.

“In relation to Quinn Insurance which outperforms any other insurance company in Ireland, the workers have proved their ability to deliver.  As a competitive insurance provider Quinn Insurance must remain the essential competition provider from which Irish consumers have benefited so much in the past.

“In this regard Mr. Elderfield’s assertion that consumer protection remains a high priority reinforces the successful consumer friendly model which is Quinn Insurance”, Marian Harkin MEP concluded.