Govt has to maintain pressure on EU - SIPTU

SIPTU's Eoin Reidy has said it is vital the Government should maintain the pressure on the European Commission to relax its policy of refusing exchequer backing for airlines.

"Aer Lingus and Ireland have a very good case for the airline getting a quick and efficient financial injection," he said.

"We are looking for a level playing field in comparison with American competitors on transatlantic routes, and that will only happen with Government assistance.

"We would argue that Aer Lingus has been a motor of the Irish economy. We need to take a holistic approach to all this. The commission cannot continue to take a hard-line approach."

It is understood in Dublin that Public Enterprise Minister Mary O’Rourke will seek European permission for making a guaranteed loan to Aer Lingus along the lines of that made by the Belgium to its airline, Sabena.