Aer Lingus chief to stay at helm

AER LINGUS chief executive Willie Walsh says he will stay on in his job even if the government decides not to back his plans for an outside investor to come on board.

Mr Walsh, who has been in charge since October 2001, said he would continue to lead the airline even if the Cabinet committee investigating whether to seek outside investment, including a proposal by the chief executive and other top management, decided not to privatise the airline.

“I’m staying. I’m committed to Aer Lingus. I’ve worked here for 25 years,” he told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland yesterday. “I have made it clear since I have taken over that the business issues are independent of ownership.