O'Dea: Aer Lingus willing to listen to critics

Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea says he believes Aer Lingus is willing to listen to the views of various groups opposed to its decision to end services between Shannon and Heathrow.

Mr O'Dea was speaking after he and Junior Minister Tony Killeen held talks with Aer Lingus chief executive Dermot Mannion in Shannon this morning.

Mr Mannion is in the area to explain the airline's decision to local politicians, business groups and trade unions.

Speaking after this morning's talks, Minister O'Dea said Aer Lingus management listened carefully to what he and Mr Killeen had to say.

"They said, having listened to ourselves and the other groups, they will take their own counsel and they will then go back and discuss the matter with the Minister for Transport," he said.