Mid-west politicians vow to keep up pressure over pull-out

POLITICAL leaders from the mid-west yesterday vowed to maintain pressure on the Government over the Aer Lingus decision to switch Heathrow services from Shannon to Belfast.

Up to 30 protesters, including TDs and councillors, picketed Government Buildings as ministers arrived before 10am for their first Cabinet meeting since the summer recess.

Fine Gael TD Joe Carey repeated demands for the Dáil to be recalled early to discuss the impact of the Aer Lingus decision on business and tourism interests in the mid-west. Mr Carey said: “We want to continue to pressurise the Government to force Aer Lingus to reverse its decision to take the Heathrow service out of Shannon and have sought meetings with the Taoiseach and Transport Minister Noel Dempsey.”