Government split on Shannon-Heathrow decision

The Government could be set for a split over the on-going Shannon controversy.

The Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea and John Gormley have voiced their opposition to the Aer Lingus move to axe the Shannon-Heathrow route.

Fianna Fáil is the party worst affected by the on-going controversy with government ministers, TDs and councillors split on the issue.

The Ministers for Finance, Transport, Education and Foreign Affairs have all defended the Government's approach of not getting involved in the affairs of Aer Lingus, which is now a private company.

However, at least four ministers and junior ministers are not happy with the government line and are lending their support to business and lobby groups in the mid-west.

The Cabinet is due to meet on August 29, where the Shannon-Heathrow slot debacle will most likely be top of the agenda.

It is expected that former Minister for Transport Martin Cullen will come under pressure at that meeting, after he gave guarantees on the Shannon-to-Heathrow route when he presided over the Aer Lingus privatisation.