Rabbitte hits out at 'accident-prone' Cullen
Transport Minister Martin Cullen is the most accident-prone member of the Government, it was claimed in the Dail today.
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte made the comments during Leaders’ Questions while citing last week’s Ryanair takeover bid for Aer Lingus and the e-voting fiasco.
Addressing Finance Minster Brian Cowen who was representing the Taoiseach, Mr Rabbitte said: “Of all the hapless ministers in this hapless Government, Minister Cullen is the most accident-prone.”
Fixing his gaze on Mr Cullen in the chamber, he continued: “How is it that the Government was taken completely by surprise. How is it that we have the minister (Martin Cullen) floundering in the fashion that we have seen in recent days?”
Mr Rabbitte claimed that there was up to €30m euro spent on advisors to the public flotation of Aer Lingus.
“We are heading into a situation now of a single private monopoly in the aviation sector,” he added.
“Of all the hapless ministers in this hapless Government, Minister Cullen is the most accident-prone.”
Mr Rabbitte referred to yesterday’s ’We survived it’ whispered comments by Tánaiste Michael McDowell to Mr Ahern after a joint press conference on the cash payments controversy.
“What a commentary on the Tánaiste. I want to ask now, can Aer Lingus survive this minister?”
Mr Cowen said the Government was in favour of a strong, independent Aer Lingus.
The board of Aer Lingus was working to ensure the position of the shareholders is fully protected.
Clearance for any possible merger was the regulatory responsibility of the European Commission, he believed.
“The Finance and Transport Departments were working closely with advisors and we will also be consulting with the Attorney General,” he added.
