Fine Gael press for Aer Lingus package

A Fine Gael delegation is in Brussels to impress upon the Transport Commissioner the importance of Aer Lingus to Ireland.

They have met with Loyola de Palacio, as well as with Ireland's commissioner David Byrne, appealing for special help for all state airlines in the wake of the September 11 attacks.

It comes as Aer Lingus plans shedding 2,500 jobs or face bankruptcy.

Fine Gael finance spokesman Jim Mitchell says it's a genuine plea in exceptional circumstances and said: "We are not asking for this to be used as a guise to support airlines that are ailing anyway."