Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

Heathrow Airport is an amazing, mighty global hub, with more than 67 million passengers passing through each year. Recent media reports in the UK state phase 1 of terminal 5 is set to come on stream in April 2008 with phase 2 following a few years later. The airport's capacity will, therefore, increase. Heathrow provides a vital aviation artery for Irish travellers and business people to connect to destinations all over the world. It is clear from the map presented by representatives of the Atlantic Connectivity Alliance yesterday afternoon that practically every region on the planet is served by the airport. For example, it caters for 85% of the UK's long haul flights. It is obvious why the Atlantic Connectivity Alliance and representatives of the Aer Lingus Shannon workforce who met Labour Parliamentary Party members yesterday are desperate to retain that link.

The famous Heathrow Airport slots are of enormous value to Ireland and they are the jewel in the crown of our aviation industry. It is ominous for both Aer Lingus and the country that the Government, as the company's major shareholder, is refusing to protect Shannon Airport. If it is Shannon Airport today, which airport will it be tomorrow? For example, it might be in the company's interest to transfer the slots to connect to Malaga, given the number of flights between London and Malaga, or to transfer them to long haul as a privatised commercial company.

I am in a unique position to fully understand the dilemma of Government Deputies from the west and mid-west. In the summer of 1994, there was a massive struggle to restructure Aer Lingus, which involved significant upheaval for the company's staff and their families. Fine Gael in Opposition tabled a motion that requested the immediate full financial support for the national airline. As soon as I read the motion at a finance committee meeting, I realised I could not oppose it, even though my party was in Government with Fianna Fáil. In so doing, I had to vote against the party and our great inspiring leader, Dick Spring. Later that evening, after a great deal of thought, the famous Northside Six, of whom I was one, walked down the Opposition gangway. I was behind my great north Dublin colleague, former Deputy, Sean Ryan, and I supported the Opposition's motion and suffered all the consequences. The next day all my gear was out in the front hall.

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