Aer Rianta boss lets fly at Brennan

AER RIANTA chairman Noel O’Hanlon yesterday delivered a swinging parting shot at Fianna Fáil Minister Seamus Brennan on his last day of office.

On the eve of his departure from the semi-State airport company, Mr O’Hanlon accused the former Transport Minister of tearing the fabric of the company asunder.

He also said Mr Brennan’s departure was warranted and would not be mourned by the aviation industry.

Speaking to RTÉ, Mr O’Hanlon said: “I think the aviation industry is greatly relieved that he is no longer minister.

“(Mr Brennan) is only a short time in transport. It must have been considered that he was not doing the job in the best interests of the Irish people and the Irish Government and he is moved out of position.”

The former transport minister was Mr O’Hanlon’s nemesis as he drove through the break up of Aer Rianta into three separate airport companies at Dublin, Shannon and Cork.

Today, a new company will take over from Aer Rianta with a new board and a new chairman.

Mr O’Hanlon, who had a difficult relationship with Mr Brennan, defended the record of Aer Rianta saying it was an efficient company.

He also said the manner in which the departing chief executive Margaret Sweeney was treated was “despicable” before saying it would be a “tragedy” if lands belonging to Aer Rianta were transferred to private interests.

Later Taoiseach Bertie Ahern rejected Mr O’Hanlon’s assertion that Mr Brennan had been demoted.

He said no position in Cabinet was more important than any other.

“It’s an honour to be there and serve,” he said.