Mannion refuses to back down on decision

AER Lingus chief executive Dermot Mannion yesterday stood defiant on the transfer of Heathrow slots to Belfast despite a series of meetings with the Shannon Airport lobby.

The Aer Lingus boss flew into the mid-west to meet political representatives, business leaders and the Shannon Airport Authority to explain the airline’s decision to move Heathrow landing slots to Belfast.

Afterwards, accompanied by Aer Lingus chairman John Sharman, Mr Mannion said he remained unconvinced.