Government must decide on Heathrow flights

THE bottom line on the Shannon situation is that the Government can’t maintain a ‘no intervention’ line on Aer Lingus any longer. Its recent statement was ridiculous.

When the Aer Lingus egm takes place at Michael O’Leary’s behest, the Government will have to make its mind up and vote either to retain or abandon the Shannon-Heathrow service.

If they vote against retention, or abstain, it means they are placing the interests of Belfast, which is part of the UK, above those of west coast businesses and Irish taxpayers who still own 25.3% of Aer Lingus — not someone in Belfast.