Government must keep Aer Lingus stake

THE news that the Government is actively considering selling its stake in Aer Lingus is a cause for grave concern.

A quick fire sale of the Government stake in Aer Lingus is ill-conceived, lacks foresight and smacks of selling the family silver to pay the gas bill.

To state the obvious, Ireland is an island and therefore needs an excellent air infrastructure to provide access to external markets. Inbound tourism and exports have been cited as key elements in our economic recovery. Aer Lingus is profitable and generating cash despite economic difficulties with €919m in the bank. It also has an attractive and much-coveted slot portfolio at both Dublin and Heathrow.