Speculation mounts that Aer Lingus will be sold

Speculation is mounting that the Government is planning to sell-off Aer Lingus instead of floating the company on the stock market.

Speaking at the launch of a new route between Dublin and Kerry airports, the Minister for Public Enterprise, did not rule out the sale of the sate airline.

This afternoon Minister Mary O'Rourke is bringing the roar of the Celtic Tiger back to the southwest with the new Dublin Kerry air route but behind the scenes the future of Aer Lingus is still a thorn in the Government’s side. There were reports today that the minister had asked advisors to explore the options of finding a buyer for the troubled airline, a move to encourage workers just emerging from an industrial dispute.

Minister O'Rourke confirmed that she has been contacted by the unions and negotiations should start soon, but she refused to be drawn on the future financial viability of the company. She was at Farranfore Airport today to launch Air Arran’s fourth Kerry route for commuters. Ironically, she praised Air Arran for helping Kerry out in recent years after Aer Lingus ended its scheduled flights to the county.