Worldcom's bright, modern offices on Erne Street Lower maintained an air of quiet efficiency yesterday as news of the huge scandal affecting the parent company in the US filtered through.
The company's Irish office, based in one of the many new office blocks springing up in the inner city and docklands areas, was declining to comment officially on the revelation that the global communications company had understated its accounts by $3.85 billion (€3.89 billion) and would not comment on how it may affect its Irish operations. Instead, journalists were referred to its website and a press contact number in the US.
A spokeswoman said it was "business as usual" for the Irish subsidiary and that it had been in contact with all of its customers to relay this information and reassure them.
It was difficult to gauge how the news was affecting the 180 workers, who are already expecting to see their numbers cut by 10 per cent as part of a restructuring.
Most workers entering and leaving WorldCom's offices were obviously reluctant to comment on the latest news.
One employee said the news had come as a shock, with many people first hearing about the latest scandal to rock a US multinational from news bulletins.
Others were keeping a more upbeat view about prospects for the future. "I am absolutely confident that everything is going to be OK," said another employee.
