THE owners of Quinn Industrial Holdings would pull out of Fermanagh rather than give in to the ongoing campaign of intimidation.
That’s the message from one of the directors of the company that employs around 850 people across south Fermanagh and west Cavan.
John McCartin, non-executive director at QIH warned that the firm’s American owners would ‘close the company down rather than give into intimidation’.
Mr McCartin’s warning was broadcast by Northern Sound and he went on to say that any threat to the future of the firm would create waves across the region.
Speaking to the Herald, Cavan based TD Brendan Smith said Fermanagh and Cavan cannot countenance the loss of jobs.
“Any loss of jobs would be disastrous for the Cavan/Fermanagh area,” he warned.
“An Garda Siochana and our colleagues in the PSNI must have the most comprehensive and full investigations into these ongoing threats and criminality and have the people who are responsible brought to justice.
“Then it must be put that this ongoing intimidation, damage to property and indeed injuries inflicted on persons as well is not acceptable in Cavan, nor is it acceptable in Fermanagh or any other part of our island.”
Mr Smith also quashed speculation that there may be reluctance to bring forth information.
“In my daily work I have not heard of any reluctance by individuals to pass on any relevant information.”
He added, “I would appeal to anybody who has any information in regard to this criminality to pass it on to the authorities, be it An Garda Siochana or the PSNI.”
Over the weekend it transpired that outspoken Ballyconnell priest Fr Oliver O’Reilly, who condemned the ‘mafia’ style group behind the campaign of violence and intimidation on the directors of QIH is to install security at his parochial house.
Fr Oliver O’Reilly in the Sunday Independent states that he wishes to ‘step away’ from making public comment for a time in case he adds “more fuel to the fire by any public statement”.
“He added this is a bid to give “peace and harmony” a chance.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere