Mannion asks for removal of €2.8m contract clause

The head of Aer Lingus has done a U-turn on controversial new changes to his working contract.

Dermot Mannion has asked that a new clause, which would pay him €2.8m if he resigns in the event of a hostile takeover, be removed from his contract.

The airline's chief financial officer Seán Coyle had secured a similar deal, but has now also requested it be removed.

The decision was announced following a meeting of the board of Aer Lingus this evening.

Board member David Begg - the head of ICTU - said earlier today that he felt angered and betrayed by management at Aer Lingus over the contract changes.