A troubling attitude to the rule of law

It is hard not to feel some sympathy for Seán Quinn, a grandfather sent to prison for Christmas, while acknowledging that he is largely the author of his own misfortune.

It is impossible not to feel some human sympathy at the plight of Seán Quinn, a grandfather sent to prison for Christmas, even while acknowledging that he is largely the author of his own misfortune.

It is important to realise that he is being jailed not because he lost money but because the court found him in contempt in his efforts to put assets beyond the reach of IBRC. The cost of this ...