Not many people in Ireland have experienced Sean Quinn's dramatic evaporation of his wealth. But there is not a household that can avoid suffering and loss at some stage.
Like the gambling addict he surely was, Sean Quinn kept going as the Anglo share price dipped, he doubled down, chasing his losses, and eventually lost everything. Compulsive gamblers often bet on pursuits they know nothing about.
In March 2007, Sean Quinn stood up to speak at the Slieve Russell hotel. In the speech, he reflected on his career so far but there were indications too of what was coming next. This podcast looks at Sean Quinn's career through the prism of that speech.
Given the tendency of Seán Quinn and members of his family to revise and reengineer history, it is little surprise that family members are now trying to airbrush it.
In new court proceedings, Sean Quinn is alleged to have trespassed on quarry lands controlled by his former business, Mannok, previously known as Quinn Industrial Holdings (QIH). A similar action was brought against the former border tycoon in Belfast earlier this year.
The former Anglo Irish Bank obtained startling evidence that helped force the Quinn family settle their mammoth dispute with the bank last year. That evidence has never been made public. Until now.
As chair of the bank that seized Sean Quinn’s empire, Alan Dukes saw threats and intimidation first-hand. He recalls how the Quinn empire was lost, and speaks out at the lack of action on the attacks on QIH executives.
Since the slow, sad demise of his empire began more than a decade ago, Sean Quinn has been battling adversaries – both at home and abroad. Yet, few have troubled or disturbed the industrialist quite like his local parish priest.
The abhorrent attack on Kevin Lunney, followed by further death threats against his colleagues, has finally shunted the authorities into action. But the Garda Commissioner must explain the profound lack of progress on the 70 other acts of sabotage, intimidation and violence against the company.
The border tycoon has finally ended his dream of reclaiming his former throne. However, it is a shame that Quinn’s move has come years too late and lacks both grace and contrition. Sean Quinn is not the victim here.
© 2023 Currency Media Limited
