Answers promised at Quinn rally on Sunday

Paul Neilan The group behind this Sunday's rally in support of the Quinns says it will deliver answers on the political and media cover-up over the family's disputed multi-billion Anglo Irish debt. The group, calling itself Concerned Irish Citizens (CIC), this week launched a blistering attack on the recent media coverage of the Quinn's wedding cake - reported to have cost €100,000 - and slammed newspapers and government ministers for their ongoing comments and roles in the Quinn-Anglo saga. On Monday of this week a date was fixed for next April for the hearing of the legal battle between the family and the former bank - now called IBRC - over €2.8bn of alleged debts. At a July rally thousands turned up on the streets of Ballyconnell in support of the now-bankrupt businessman, who has legendary status in the area. That rally was attended by well-known figures from the GAA including Mickey Harte, Joe Kiernan and Jarlath Burns. "Answers that promise to send chills down the spineless people in privileged positions who cost us billions," are promised by organisers. Organisers say they "condemn in the strongest possible manner, the persistent and vindictive, taxpayer-funded attempt by Anglo to sabotage the rescheduled rally for justice, which is to take place in Ballyconnell at 4pm on Sunday, October 14". "The degree of desperation by Anglo to conceal and continue the cover up, is in total contrast to the ever rising demand for transparency and accountability that is the absolute right of every man, woman and child on this island." The statement goes on to attack the Irish Independent, Minister Joan Burton for her "comments about the famous cake", among others. "To see a Minister, who is responsible for looking after the social welfare budget and the enormous masses of people who are living in poverty in our country, entertaining a non-story such as this, proves beyond doubt that this is absolutely not about a cake. It's about Anglo, assisted by particular journalists and public representatives, who expect to be taken seriously, when their sole remit is to play the Anglo game and do everything possible to prevent the truth emerging and deny people their constitutional right to attend a peaceful rally to demand justice, transparency and accountability." The CIC group then reiterates that "nobody will be asked for money" at the rally and that buckets will not be passed about "contrary to reports". The group concludes on a pledge: "The cover up is about to be exposed and no amount of gutter tactics... is going to stop that. The peaceful revolution of change and education has begun."