Cross-Party Disgust As Quinn Industrial Boss Abducted

Cross-party representatives have united in their condemnation following the abduction and assault of a prominent businessman in County Fermanagh.

Kevin Lunney, Director of Quinn Industrial Holdings, was adbucted and badly beaten while making his way home to Kinawley on Tuesday evening, 17 September.

The senior official of the company was later found dumped by the roadside some 22 miles away, having suffered injuries to his face and leg during the assault.

Cross-party representatives have hit out at those responsible and urged anyone with information to pass it on to police after Mr Lunney was discovered in County Cavan. His car and another vehicle were found on fire near his home after the attack.

Ulster Unionist MLA Rosemary Barton condemned the "heinous act".

"This was an outrageous and heinous attack on a hard-working man going about his daily business, driving home from his work on Tuesday afternoon. Crimes like this must not be tolerated in our society," the UUP MLA commented.

Ms Barton's words were echoed by SDLP Councillor Adam Gannon, who said: "This was a brutal attack on a man coming home from work to see his family. It's hard to imagine the kind of person who abducts someone, beats them and dumps them 20 miles across the border. Those involved in this brutal attack are absolutely depraved and need to be brought to justice.

"I can't begin to imagine the stress Kevin's family was under last night when this happened. There is no place in our community for the thugs behind this."

Alliance representatives denounced the violent act, which is understood to be the latest in a string of incidents targeting the company.

Stewart Dickson MLA said: "I have no doubt this was a traumatic experience for Mr Lunney and my thoughts are with him and his family after this horrific incident.

"This is an attack on all the people of Fermanagh and Cavan, carried out by thugs who offer nothing to our society."

"Under no circumstances is abducting someone and attacking them acceptable behaviour," added Alliance Fermanagh representative Matthew Beaumont.

The surrounding community has been left disgusted by the horrific assault, according to local Sinn Fein MP Michelle Gildernew.

"I am appalled by last night's attack on Kevin Lunney," she said, as he receives treatment for "severe but non-life threatening injuries".

"This is not just a horrific assault on Kevin and his family, but on jobs and stability in Fermanagh. It has caused widespread disgust within the wider community.

"I have been in contact with Kevin's family and Quinn Industrial Holdings to offer my support and I would appeal for anyone with information about this vicious attack to pass it on to the authorities."



(JG/CM)