Aer Lingus steps up campaign to see off Ryanair

Aer Lingus chairman Colm Barrington and chief executive Dermot Mannion have been in discussions with the Labour Party on the future of the former State airline.

The talks centred on plans to prevent a hostile takeover of the company by Ryanair.

Colm Barrington said it was vital that politicians, the media and the public be told how healthy the airline's finances and prospects are.

Mr Barrington has already indicated that he intends to find a friendly investor who would take a majority stake in the airline to prevent a Ryanair takeover.