Published: Wednesday, 12th May, 2010 5:00pm

You've let us down, Minister Smith

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By email to info@agriculture.gov.ie and copied to the editor of The Anglo-Celt

FAO Mr Brendan Smith,

It's with great anger that I write this note to your office. We are sitting here in the office of Quinn-Insurance after getting the news of 500-800 potential redundancies.

Mr. Smith, this is a disgrace and you, as the voted elected representative, have let down the people of Cavan and the people of the border region.

Since this situation has happened, you and the government have helped in the destruction of one of the biggest success stories in 30 years. Sean Quinn and his family have been providing jobs and money to a region where once there was nothing. We, as employees, not alone feel let down, but we feel you have let down Sean Quinn and the Quinn Group by your inaction.

We wanted action, not talking; we wanted you to stand with people who voted you in and in essence you sided with the government and the Regulator.

Mr. Smith, also let me tell you my voice is not alone. I can assure you that your reputation as a hard working politician is destroyed in this area. It's very easy to hide but when we really needed you, I'm sorry, but you did not respond. Do you actually understand what Sean Quinn has done for the people of Cavan, Leitrim, Monaghan, Fermanagh and throughout Ireland, and how much people appreciated this and looked up to him? He never forgot where he came from but you have? He stood by his employees and made no one redundant in a recession - how many employers can say that? We will never forget what he did for us and we will always remember your inactivity at this crucial time.

Have you attended any protests by Quinn employees or any rallies? The answer is no. And what do we take from this: that you have no respect for the people who elected you?

In conclusion the people of Cavan Monaghan do remember and when election time rings again, do not come looking to us to back you as we back people who back us, and in our hour of need you didn't. This is the single biggest issue to impact people of this region in its history. Your absence will define your political legacy within this region.

Regards,

Sean Murray,

UK Broker Relationship manager.

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