Roundup: Curtain calls for more property-related firms. Liquidity squeeze for small businesses and the construction industry. Good news for kitchen retailer and tyre firm. Tycoons duke it out on the docks. High spending former councillor brought down to earth by debts.

‘‘My liabilities exceed my assets.” This simple admission from celebrated property developer Paddy Kelly in the High Court last week sparked a wave of speculation in Irish banking and property circles.

The value of the examiner’s role in the insolvency process has been questioned in recent months. We take a look at some recent cases where firms have survived having sought court protection.

Investment group profits after examinership. Pub chain’s suitor jilts Senator. Freefall for property developers and retail businesses linked to housing. Landlord stays firm on Grafton Street rent while provincial shopping centres struggle. Banks readjust – or not – to the new economic reality.

In existence for just 19 years, the examinership process is still a relatively youthful addition to the suite of options available to a struggling Irish firm. But with the economic climate driving more and more companies to seek court protection and with fewer emerging to a brighter view, its detractors are queuing up to suggest it has outlived its usefulness.