Ahern to raise Aer Lingus routes with Bush

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern is to come to the rescue of Aer Lingus in assisting it to open three routes into the US from the autumn.

An Open Skies agreement negotiated with the US by the EU would allow Aer Lingus to expand its destinations, but Britain is threatening to scupper it.

Mr Ahern said he will not wait for this to happen but will raise the issue with US President George W Bush when he meets him for the annual St Patrick’s day visit to the White House.