Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Thankfully, the number of people using our aviation industry, the strength of our tourism base and investment in the economy mean it is sensible to do this. With continued State involvement in Aer Lingus, this option will be good for the airline, staff and customers. The transaction will give the company access to the broadest range of funding available on the financial markets, enhance its financial strength and give it commercial flexibility to compete and win in one of the world's most dynamic industries.

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