Labour TDs: No support for Aer Lingus deal until election is over

Senior Labour figures have ruled out expressing support for €1.36bn offer to buy Aer Lingus until after the general election.

The Irish Independent reports that Labour party strategists believe consenting to a sale of the State's stake prior to the election could severely damage the chances of their Dublin-based TDs.

It comes despite Aer Lingus chairman Colm Barrington saying there is a "compelling commercial logic" to allowing BA owner IAG to buy the airline.

In a statement, he said: "Following a combination with IAG, Aer Lingus will have a markedly greater number of more attractive growth options that will significantly benefit the company, its employees, its customers, the tourism sector, Irish business and industry and the airports at which Aer Lingus operates and Ireland."

The board also said the deal would boost employment.

The Government owns a 25.1% stake in Aer Lingus.

Labour's so-called "Aer Lingus seven" recently mounted strong opposition to the deal. They are Joe Costello (Dublin Central), John Lyons (Dublin North West), Brendan Ryan (Dublin North), Sean Kenny (Dublin North East), Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West), Dominic Hannigan (Meath East) and junior minister Aodhan O Riordain (Dublin North Central).

They are expected to meet again to discuss recent developments surrounding the proposal.