Rabbitte withdraws remarks about Transport Minister

Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte has withdrawn controversial remarks he made in the Dáil yesterday about Transport Minister Seamus Brennan.

During leaders’ questions, Mr Rabbitte appeared to imply that Mr Brennan received inducements from Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary.

The remark was made during a heated argument about the Government’s plans to break Aer Rianta into three competing entities.

Mr Rabbitte insisted today that his remarks were misinterpreted and he did not intend to suggest that the minister had received inducements from Mr O’Leary.

A spokesman for Mr Brennan subsequently said that the matter was now closed.