The finance ministry has barred the firm from government-bond auctions until it thinks up a worse punishment, probably suspension of all its business for a while.

ECONOMIST: Not all it should be

At Scotts' headquarters in Ohio, meanwhile, company spokesman Jim King said the suspension of deliveries would not have an immediate impact on either its business or its relationship with Kmart.

BBC: Suppliers desert Kmart

On Monday, Mr Hardwick denied that the suspension of the temporary chief constable has unsettled the force and that it was "business as usual".

BBC: Lincolnshire Police in dark over chief's suspension

The company said the insurance business was losing 1.5m euros a day as a result of the suspension.

BBC: Easing of restrictions on Quinn Insurance