Taoiseach, Tánaiste answer Aer Lingus questions
The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has come under attack from the opposition over the resignation of three senior executives at Aer Lingus.
The airline's chief executive Willie Walsh and two of his top managers resigned last night, saying they did not want to be in "open conflict" with the Government over the future of the company.
They had proposed a management buyout, but the Taoiseach said it was not acceptable.
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte accused the Government of forcing the executives out of a job because of the inaction to decide on the state airline's future.
The Taoiseach responded by pointing out the tension between management and the unions at the company.
Mr Ahern said: “There is huge resentment that the management team have claimed virtually all the credit for the rescue of Aer Lingus after 9/11, ignoring the tremendous efforts by union leaders and the staff to make the changes work.”
Meanwhile, the Tánaiste Mary Harney has rejected claims of a Government split over the crisis at Aer Lingus.
Ms Harney said the Government is determined to secure the future of the national airline, but that it has other priorities for its finances, including healthcare and education.
The Tánaiste said the most appropriate route for Aer Lingus is to obtain private equity to expand its fleet, rather than a Government injection of cash.
| Related Stories: |
|
