Cowen splitting hairs over hangar contract

THE Government, as sole owner, has effective control over the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) and significant influence as the major shareholder over Aer Lingus.

Why then does the Taoiseach, in his responses in the Dáil, pretend that he has no influence in the matter, as he splits hairs about contractual obligations and so forth?

In the worst case, if the lease with Aer Lingus was to be broken then perhaps the airline could seek damages, but those damages would likely be minimal because the move by Aer Lingus from Hangar Six to Hangar Three should involve little inconvenience or cost. Why, in the first place, is Aer Lingus ensconced in a hangar that appears to be far too big for its needs?

And why was it given to Aer Lingus by the DAA when it knew Ryanair might establish 300 jobs there? Was this to spite or frustrate Ryanair? Is Aer Lingus playing the part of the dog in the manger?

John Stafford

Dargle Wood

Knocklyon

Dublin 16