Virgin Money yesterday ruled out a bid for MBNA’s operation in Carrick-on-Shannon, declaring that its interest in the credit card specialist is restricted to the UK.

“We would only be involved in the UK part of the proposal,” said Scott Mowbray, who is head of public relations with Virgin Money.

The financial institution, which is owned by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, has built up its UK credit card business in partnership with MBNA.

The decision heightens the uncertainty surrounding the Irish arm of MBNA, which employs more than 740 people in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim.

Combined, MBNA has a $19 billion loan book for both its UK and Irish operations, and the Irish operation services clients in both regions.

Apart from Virgin Money, other possible contenders for the business include Barclaycard and Santander.