Confusion over Ahern's knowledge of airline deal

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern and new Transport Minister Martin Cullen face embarrassing questions this morning as a gaping communications gaffe emerged at the heart of Government.

As he jetted off to Vietnam last night, Mr Ahern left behind considerable confusion over whether he had been told a proposed management buyout at Aer Lingus had been withdrawn days before.

Although Aer Lingus chief executive Willie Walsh told Department of Transport secretary general Julie O'Neill on Monday he no longer wished to seek consent from the Government to develop an investment plan for Aer Lingus, it appears the Taoiseach was never informed of the decision.