David Norris (Independent)

This was a ready-up because it fitted in with the Government's North-South co-operation policy. Hence, this was a political decision.

One should contrast the attitude adopted by the Government on this issue, in which it shafted the people of Shannon and Aer Lingus, to its manoeuvrings when Members were in the process of establishing a committee to investigate the rendition flights that passed through Shannon Airport and the lies that were then told in this regard. The Government was prepared then to gallop in at the behest of a strong Shannon lobby for nakedly political reasons.

This issue has two elements. I refer to the business element whereby one can justify what was done in terms of harsh competitive realities. However, I do not, because there should be a social dimension. The only way to have one is by retaining Aer Lingus in public control, which is the reason I voted against the privatisation. All the matters Members raised then are now coming home to roost.