Ahern ‘abused privilege’ over Walsh comments

LABOUR leader Pat Rabbitte has accused the Taoiseach of abuse of parliamentary privilege following his remarks that former Aer Lingus executives wanted to steal the airline’s assets through a management buy-out two years ago.

On Wednesday, Bertie Ahern said former chief executive Willie Walsh and his colleagues Brian Dunne and Seamus Kearney had tried to steal the semi-state’s assets and “shaft” staff.

The three were linked with a management buy-out of the company in 2004 but did not pursue the move.