Dempsey dismisses criticism

Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey has dismissed renewed criticism of the Government and Taoiseach over the Shannon-Heathrow affair.

A local Fianna Fáil cumann in Co Clare has passed a motion of no confidence in Bertie Ahern, accusing him of failing to show leadership on the issue.

Mr Dempsey has also been personally criticised by local Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley, who has accused him of adopting a cavalier approach to Aer Lingus' decision to axe its Shannon to Heathrow flights.

Asked about the matter today, he said local Fianna Fáil members were entitled to their decision, but he described Mr Dooley's comments as "a load of nonsense".

Former Minister for Transport Martin Cullen, meanwhile, said today that he would have preferred to see Aer Lingus maintain Heathrow services from Shannon.

He also said there was no question of Aer Lingus selling its Heathrow slots to another airline.