SF: Hold a referendum on Aer Lingus sale

Sinn Féin has said the Government should hold a referendum before agreeing to the sale of Aer Lingus.

The suggestion came as the Dáil continues its debate on the proposed sale of the government's 25% stake to IAG.

The approval of the Dáil is legally required before the shares can be sold in a deal worth €335m.

Sinn Féin's transport spokesperson Dessie Ellis said public approval should be sought.

"Aer Lingus has survived many things, but this (sale) is a nail in the coffin (of the airline)," he said.

"You, (Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe) should be defending the State's assets. You shouldn’t be selling them off. No Government should have the right to sell off the State's assets. That is up to the people. It should be put to the people for them to make that decision."