Government ‘endangering Aer Lingus’

THE GOVERNMENT was yesterday accused of jeopardising the future of Aer Lingus by failing to make a prompt decision on how to fund future investment in the company.

Speaking during Leaders’ Questions, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny told the Dáil the Government were paralysed from making a decision on Aer Lingus for electoral reasons.

Mr Kenny was speaking as publication of the Goldman Sachs report into the future of Aer Lingus revealed that the Government had been warned management would leave if a prompt decision on investment was not made quickly. The report also indicated that a partial flotation of Aer Lingus was the most likely and profitable option but warned such a move would have to be done quickly with current management in place.