Cabinet to discuss Shannon controversy today

The controversial Aer Lingus decision to switch Heathrow flights from Shannon to Belfast will be discussed by the Cabinet for the first time today.

The issue will top the agenda as the Taoiseach and his ministers convene after the summer break at Government Buildings.

The Government is under pressure to use its 25% stake in the airline to back calls for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of shareholders.

Defence Minister Willie O'Dea has already joined Mid-West political, business and tourism representatives to demand that Aer Lingus reverse its August 7 decision.

Ryanair, which now owns 29.4% of Aer Lingus, has also demanded an EGM.

The Shannon Airport Authority yesterday denied it was close to a deal with British airline bmi to open up services to Heathrow.

Aer Lingus said its decision to switch Heathrow services to Belfast was made on commercial grounds and was irreversible.