QUINN GROUP chief executive Paul O’Brien has warned that continued attacks on the company’s property and vehicles could lead to jobs losses among the 1,150-strong workforce at its manufacturing operations in Derrylin and Ballyconnell.
Mr O’Brien has estimated that in “excess” of £1 million worth of damage has been done to Quinn’s buildings and vehicles.
“That can’t continue or at some stage you do have to lose jobs, which is one of the commitments that we made as part of the restructuring [in April],” Mr O’Brien said yesterday.
The first incident occurred on April 19th, when a large dumper truck was driven into bollards at the entrance to the Fermanagh head offices of the Quinn Group.
Other incidents include:
- About half a dozen electricity poles have been pulled down, cutting power to the glass plant.
- A digger was driven into the roof of a weighbridge.
- Two weeks ago, five vehicles were set alight in the cement plant in Ballyconnell.
- Workers repairing the damage have also been subjected to intimidation while carrying out their duties.
- Mr O’Brien’s house and car were the subject of an arson attack on Monday.
“These are reckless acts,” Mr O’Brien said. “Human decency requires and demands that these things are put to a stop.”
He said he considered resigning following the attack on his property, which happened while he was on annual leave. "I have considered it but I don't think it would be the right thing to do at this point in time," he told The Irish Times.
When asked why he took the job in April, given the level of opposition to Anglo’s takeover of Quinn Group, he said: “A job needed to be done, and I thought I could do that job. It’s important that a good job is done because this country needs people to be employed. There are jobs at risk here. I don’t regret doing it.” Mr O’Brien returns to work later this month and admitted to being “nervous”, but said he would take “appropriate” security measures.
“You can’t lead your life being reckless but you can’t lead your life cowering down behind what are thugs. You have to stand up and be counted.”
He said the senior management at 12 subsidiary companies had jointly written a note to staff yesterday backing him.
“That gives a strong message in its own right. I think that shows that whilst I may be unpopular in certain circles, I’m very popular in other circles, or at least respected,” he said.
