Aer Lingus deal needs ‘cast iron’ pledge

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has insisted that “a cast iron guarantee” on flights in and out of Ireland is needed before a takeover bid for Aer Lingus can be considered by the Government.

Mr Kenny’s comments come as further talks are expected this week between a government review group and aviation giant IAG on the latter’s bid for the airline. But resistance is building within Government around selling its 25% stake in the airline, with demands that IAG outlines how landing slots, particularly in and out of regional hubs, can be protected.

Mr Kenny said: “If IAG are going to come to the table in the next few days, then I need to see, in so far as this is possible, a cast iron permanent guarantee in respect of connectivity for Cork, for Shannon, Dublin and a lesser extent Knock.”