Sir, – As an Irish citizen who is concerned for the most vulnerable in our society and the best use of taxpayers’ money, I have impartially examined all sides in the Anglo/Quinn dispute.
Detailed, honest and transparent answers to all questions have been provided by the Quinn side, whereas crucial questions that are relevant to every Irish citizen remain unanswered by the chairman of Anglo, the Financial Regulator, and the Minister for Finance, all of whom are paid from the public purse and are accountable to the people of Ireland.
Such questions include: 1. Why has the Quinn Group under new management asked for €40 million more than anticipated, at a time when the company should be cash rich? 2. What were the bondholders paid in the Quinn take-over deal? 3. What has the entire situation that Anglo has created in regard to Quinn cost the taxpayer to date, and how does this compare with the option of implementing the Quinn Proposal which would have saved billions for the taxpayer and protected tens of thousands of jobs? 4. Were proper procedures followed by Anglo in relation to Quinn at all times and who made the decision to sack Quinn family members and representatives? 5. Was the board of Anglo consulted about decisions in relation to Quinn? 6. Why was the legitimacy of the debt and the issue of the guarantees not resolved legally prior to the sale of Quinn Insurance and the take-over of the Quinn Group, thereby safeguarding taxpayer’s money? 7. In line with proposed transparency on issues of remuneration for those paid from the public purse, what salaries are new senior executives in the Quinn Group now being paid and are they in receipt of bonuses?
The people of Ireland have an enormous stake in this situation and deserve nothing less than full transparency. Answers must be provided. – Is mise,