Minister refuses to step in to airport row

TRANSPORT Minister Martin Cullen distanced himself yesterday from the surprise resignation of an airport worker-director over a deal with Ryanair.

SIPTU worker director Dermot O'Loughlin resigned from the Dublin Airport Authority over what he says was a lack of consultation on the deal struck between Ryanair and the new Shannon Airport Authority.

The agreement with was part of a new incentive scheme allowing airlines significant discounts on landing fees if planes are based at Shannon.