Donohoe: Connectivity is key to IAG's bid for Aer Lingus

The Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe says Donald Trump is entitled to his opinion regarding the potential sale of Aer Lingus to IAG.

The US billionaire has strongly warned the Taoiseach against selling the State's shareholding in Aer Lingus, claiming it would damage the country's tourism industry and links to foreign direct investment.

In a letter to the Taoiseach, Mr Trump, said Aer Lingus "should not be given away to the highest bidder".

He added that he does not think the potential sale is a good deal for Ireland.

Speaking to Radio Kerry, Paschal Donohoe says the Government has not made any decision regarding IAG's bid for Aer Lingus.

Mr Donohoe said: "Inside the letter which I received, he stressed how important it is to have contact and connectivity in and out of Ireland and how important Aer Lingus is in relation to that.

"That is something I've always acknowledged, I've always said that access is the key way in which we will evaluate whether this bid is good for our country or not.

"We are having further contact with IAG in relation to their proposed bid, and I would expect that that contact will continue next week."