Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I have not been in the House since Wednesday morning, and there has been some controversy regarding an issue that I raised in response to a question from Deputy Rabbitte. Since I comply with all Standing Orders and have been doing so for the past 29 years, I will do so now.

I have always felt strongly that the perception that the then management of Aer Lingus was proposing to organise the purchase of the company from the State was unwise and divisive. It was the impact of that perception to which I was referring in my comments last week. At the same time as I did so, I emphasised, as I have done several times, the quality and achievement of the then management team.

The comments give the impression that I was impugning the integrity and motivation of the former management. While I did not refer to anyone by name, I accept that the clear implication was a reference to Willie Walsh and his two colleagues. Comments made in the context of robust political exchange in this Chamber can sometimes have unintended effects. I regret any implication that might have been taken from them regarding the position and contribution to Aer Lingus of the former management team, which was hugely significant. I have written to Willie Walsh personally conveying my regrets. As I stated to the media last week, using the words "steal the assets" and "shaft the staff" were inappropriate. I withdraw them from the record of the House.

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