O’Dea stands firm despite isolation

EMBATTLED Defence Minister Willie O’Dea refused to resign last night despite his pro-Shannon stance being abandoned by most Fianna Fáil Cabinet colleagues.

The only glimmer of support came from Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Eamon Ó Cuív and Green Environment Minister John Gormley as Mr O’Dea vowed to fight on within Government to save the lifeline Heathrow routes to the mid-west air hub.

After being isolated by FF high command and effectively publicly slapped down by a Government statement making it clear there would be no State intervention, Mr O’Dea insisted he could still persuade colleagues to change tack.