FIANNA Fail TD, Willie O’Dea, says so called “safeguards” from IAG on Aer Lingus’ connectivity offer no guarantees on the retention of the valuable Heathrow slots.
According to Deputy O’Dea, IAG’s proposal to protect these slots for a five-year period falls well short of the mark, and offers no long term security on routes between Shannon and Heathrow and the US.
“Despite former Minister Pat Rabbitte, along with many Fine Gael TD’s and a senior Trade Union official coming out in favour of the sale of the Governments shareholding in Aer Lingus, I remain entirely opposed to the sale of the Government’s stake, believing the takeover has the potential to seriously undermine Shannon’s connectivity, as well as having a negative impact on jobs,” said Deputy O’Dea.
“The significant concerns that have been raised regarding the potential downside risks of the proposed takeover bid remain outstanding. The proposal to retain the Heathrow slots as outlined by Willie Walsh recently offers no long term security. It is also worrying that Willie Walsh could not give any guarantee on retaining connectivity between Shannon and New York, Boston and Heathrow,” he continued.
The offer put on the table by Willie Walsh is more aspirational than it is concrete, O’Dea insists.
“In fact, IAG will have no control over any commitments given, if it is bought out by another company, and given that Qatari Airlines recently acquired a 10 per cent stake in IAG, that prospect is a real possibility.
“The Government cannot ignore this new and heightened risk, and must act in the best interests of the country by blocking any takeover. The Fianna Fáil led Government took the decision to maintain a 25 per cent stake in Aer Lingus so that Ireland’s connectivity would be protected, and this Government must ensure that that principle is upheld and reject this offer,” he concluded.
