Edward Liddy, AIG chief executive, on Tuesday told restless shareholders he could give “no assurances” that the government’s 80 per cent stake in the company would ever be reduced, and expressed hope that the stricken insurer was succeeding in its transition and plans to repay its massive debt.

Shareholders who had gathered at its recently sold Manhattan headquarters were angry about the company’s dismal performance, shattered stock price and uncertain future, and left an hour later with few answers.