Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach said that he is prevented from giving a clear answer because of the rules of the stock market, but he does not have a mandate from the stock market, he has a mandate from the people of this State. He also said that a decision on this cannot be passed unless the Dáil supports it, but the Government has a thumping majority in the Dáil and can do whatever it wants in this Chamber. What about the workers? IAG would not be seeking to buy this company unless it was profitable and it is profitable not least because of the efforts of the workforce. The Government needs to be loyal to the workforce. It needs to stand by the workers. There is a clear need at this time of recovery to ensure that it is a balanced recovery, not a two-tier recovery, and that the current employment levels at Aer Lingus are maintained, expanded and built upon. This is hugely important for the local economies of the regions involved. There are 3,900 citizens employed by Aer Lingus and there are huge fears that there would be a negative effect for those in Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports.

See this speech in context