jackie, can you clarify your actual position a little, as the info provided doesn't really give us much to go on.
Asset valued at several hundred thousand... is this your primary residence? if yes, is the mortgage paid off? do you have liquid assets for this value?
Buy a commercial property abroad... what type of property, what sort of money are you talking about investing, what is the yield you expect, have you investigated all the legalities involved in commercial property ownership in the market you are looking at?
Give up your job.... if you are still holding an irish mortgage and want to remortgage to buy abroad have you calculated the level of occupancy you will require to pay both mortgages? have you factored in vacancy periods? Without some sort of confirmation of income, it would be understandable for the bank to be a little 'leery' of lending to someone planning on leaving employment.
Looking at the info below it seems like you are still at the ideas level, and may not have yet investigated fully all the implications involved.
Perhaps with further investigating, a business plan and more firm figures you may find the bank more receptive to you.
I believe we have a number of posters that have commercial property, so they may post some more info for you.