Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is no rebel left in the Labour Party on that issue. I have listened to the debate and looked at the previous proposal made when IAG first pounced on Aer Lingus. I have looked at the proposals made today inasmuch as I can and find that there is no difference.

The Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ring, comes from the west. He knows full well that if he took a heifer to the fair in January, took her back again because he did not get a good enough price and then took her back again last week and was offered the same price, it is he who is the fool. That is what has happened in this case. The Government pretended for seven months that it was holding out for a better deal, but there has been no improvement in any aspect of it. There has been an improvement in the spin, the public relations and the softening up exercise of the various organisations throughout the country that have come out to welcome the proposal. However, when we strip it all back, there is nothing in this for many people. Most important, there is nothing in it for the people because we are selling our remaining stake in the national carrier, our national brand. We are selling it to the private sector and throwing it to the wolves.

Let us be very clear. If IAG really loves Aer Lingus so much, what would be wrong with buying 75% of it and working with the State to improve and enhance the airline? If the genuine interest of IAG was to expand, grow and develop and the Heathrow Airports slots were not of significance in enhancing IAG access to Heathrow Airport, as opposed to enhancing access from Ireland to Heathrow Airport, why not buy the 75% stake and let the rest of the shares remain with the State? It is simply the case that IAG wants to have 100% control. British Airways does not have the best history when it comes to takeovers. It has been predatory and stripped assets. It has undermined the airlines it has bought and taken out the best parts.

The history is evident. There is no logical reason Mr. Walsh and IAG could not purchase the 75% and work with the State with the 25%. Are the public interest directors on the board obstructive? Have they caused great difficulties in the context of the development of Aer Lingus to date? They have not.

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