Aer Lingus union denies paper claims

The union representing Aer Lingus cabin crew, pilots and middle management is this morning rubbishing newspaper claims that it prevented its members from issuing a public statement in support of embattled chief executive Michael Foley.

The Sunday Independent is also claiming that the airline will be obliged to give Mr Foley a pay off of £3m if it wants to avoid lengthy and damaging litigation.

It is understood that even if the offer was accepted that Mr Foley is adamant that he would continue his battle to clear his name following the recent sex harassment allegations.

It is also claimed that staff represented by IMPACT were persuaded not to issue a statement in support of Foley, because of fears it would be seen as an act of contempt against the High Court.

However union spokesman Bernard Harbour said the claim was simply not true.