Former Aer Lingus chief tried to steal assets, says Ahern

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday renewed his criticisms of former Aer Lingus chief executive Willie Walsh, accusing him and senior colleagues of wanting to “steal the assets” of the airline when they proposed a management buy-out (MBO) in 2004.

Mr Ahern, speaking during Leader’s Questions, went further and said the three senior managers were also “shafting staff interests” with their MBO proposal.

Mr Walsh, who is now the chief executive of British Airways, announced he would depart Aer Lingus soon after Mr Ahern harshly criticised him in November 2004. The criticisms were said to be one of the factors that motivated him and two senior managers to quit.