Government won’t block sale of Great Southern hotel group

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday discounted the possibility of the Government retaining ownership of the Great Southern Hotel group, saying the sale of the semi-State was the best option.

Affirmation of the Government’s position comes as SIPTU threatens to pull out of partnership talks over the issue.

Instead of a sell-off, the union will meet with Transport Minister Martin Cullen on Tuesday to urge the transfer of the troubled hotel group to Fáilte Ireland.