27/05/2015

Govt's Decision To Sell Share In Aer Lingus To IAG Slammed

Sinn Féin Transport Spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD has said that the government's decision to sell the state's share in Aer Lingus to IAG is a bad deal for Ireland. He made his comments following the announcement by Minister Paschal Donoghue that the Fine Gael/Labour Cabinet had agreed to sell of the state's 25% share.

Mr Ellis said he has "grave concerns" for the effect it will have on Ireland's connectivity into the future.

He said: "IAG have no interest in Ireland and the government have failed to stand up for the interests of the country instead seeking to make a quick profit as an election looms.

"The CEO of IAG made it clear in an interview last year that he desperately needs more slots at Heathrow for growing markets in Asia and South America in the long term.

"It will be Aer Lingus's slots which provide essential connectivity for Ireland which will serve at these much needed assets for IAG, a multinational conglomerate only interested in their profit margins and their shareholders."

(CD)

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