Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

This is both an historic and a sad day. I have had telephone calls today from some very upset Aer Lingus workers. It is a disgrace that we were informed of the sell-off by means of a leak to the newspapers. The feelings of the workers were not taken into account, many of whom have given the best part of their lives to trying to make a successful airline of Aer Lingus. They have made many sacrifices over the years. This Government in its wisdom leaked a story to a newspaper. This is how the workers found out about their future. It is a scandal and a disgrace. Sinn Féin has been consistent in its opposition to the privatisation of our national airline. I express Sinn Féin's solidarity with those Aer Lingus workers who are justifiably concerned about the future of their jobs.

The Government has arrogantly pushed ahead with its privatisation ideology. I have not heard any business plan and no real argument about the sale of the national airline. Rumblings of opposition to the sale have been heard. Many Fianna Fáil councillors in Dublin and beyond have supported motions at council level against the sale of our national airline and some members of Fine Gael have also been supportive.

This issue highlights the unworkable coalition of Fine Gael and the Labour Party, with the Labour Party against privatisation and Fine Gael in favour of it. Many workers are wondering what they will do in coalition.

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