Pro-Quinn Facebook page CIC to cease

Sean Quinn has personally requested an local online group, which vocally backs his return to the head of the companies he once owned, that they “immediately cease posting further material and close the Facebook page'.

It comes after an application was made to the High Court by Quinn Industrial Holdings Ltd last week to have Facebook remove alleged defamatory material from the pro-Sean Quinn site - 'Concerned Irish Citizens' (CIC).

Yesterday (Tuesday) a judge suggested that Facebook hand over the names of people posting messages to the site, and the case is due before the High Court again later today (Wednesday).

 

Counterproductive

In the letter from Mr Quinn to the operators of CIC, dated May 9, the Ballyconnell businessman states he is “currently in discussions with the US Investor Group that own Quinn Industrial Holdings Limited (QIHL)”, noting that while confidential, “they continue to be positive.”

But Mr Quinn says while he and his family “appreciate the continued support that you and all members of CIC have shown us over the past number of years”, it is “generally felt that posts from the CIC Facebook page are counterproductive” to his ongoing discussions with shareholder.”

The letter prompted the operators of CIC to post a message, along the a copy of the letter, saying: “we have come to the conclusion that it is in everybody’s best interest for us to respect the wishes of Sean Quinn on this matter.”

 

Thanked followers

Said to attract over 10,000 views per day, CIC operators sincerely thanked all their followers and contributors that have supported us.

“Our aim has always been to shine a light on wrongdoing and injustice and we in CIC who have a mandate of over 90,000 people feel a significant injustice is being perpetrated on the Quinn family, given that their litigation has been delayed for 5 years now with further delays of at least two years expected. This injustice is compounded by the fact that Quinn assets which are currently the subject of legal proceedings have been and are being sold. CIC and the local community are steadfast in their views that purchasers of Quinn assets will not be welcome until the conclusion of the litigation.”

 

QIHL v Facebook

Liam McCaffrey, Chief executive at QIHL, companies formerly owned by Mr Quinn had sought Facebook take to action against comments posted on CIC, including the possible remove the site completely.

But barrister Rossa Fanning said Facebook should not be drawn into the crossfire of a much wider dispute.

He said QIHL “know very well” who is posting the information and described the orders being sought as just “just wrong in law”, comparing the move to a firm seeking an injunction against a wall over a poster that had been put up.

Despite this, Justice Paul Gilligan suggested that making available the identities of the people posting on the site might lend itself to easing the tense situation. The people involved could then be added to the proceedings personally.

The hearing was adjourned and is listed today (Wednesday) for mention as both sides engage in negotiations on the matter.

 

Olive branch

Its comes as Mr Quinn himself is understood to be considering extending an olive branch to the senior management and shareholders at QIHL with whom he has had a very public spat with over control of the companies he once owned.

It has been reported that Mr Quinn stands to lose his €500,000 a year consultancy agreement with the company terminated unless tangible efforts are seen to be made by him to reconcile his differences senior ranking members within QIHL.

Quinn Industrial Holdings Ltd is backed by US private equity firms Brigade Capital, Contrarian Capital and Silver Point Capital. Three local businessmen, John McCartin, John Bosco O’Hagan and Ernie Fisher as well as company management are also minority shareholders as part of the Quinn Business Retention Company (QBRC).

As part of the latest attempt to build bridges within his former companies, shareholders have asked Mr Quinn to withdraw his demands for a greater say in the strategic direction of the businesses, which concern building manufacturing and packaging.

In a statement to RTE’s Prime Time, Mr Quinn denied making any such demands, stating that he had “personally initiated” positive negotiations with QBRC, and is asking stakeholders to clarify any comments made to him and his family regarding the handover of the company at a future date.