Ryanair intervention:Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary yesterday intervened in the controversy over Aer Lingus ending its Shannon-Heathrow service by calling an Aer Lingus extraordinary general meeting (egm).
Mr O'Leary told reporters the purpose of the meeting was to maintain the existing Shannon-Heathrow service, take other actions that would improve Aer Lingus's current profitability at Shannon and to proceed with the airline's planned services at Belfast.
Ryanair has a 25 per cent stake in Aer Lingus, and Mr O'Leary said: "The egm forces the issue. Bertie can't be hiding in the hotel for the next six or eight weeks; the Government must make a decision.
"There has to be a vote. The Government can now vote in favour of saving Shannon route, either working with Ryanair or if they don't want to work with us, we are happy to abstain and then the Government and Esot [Employee Share Ownership Trust] can save the Shannon-Heathrow route all on their own, without sacrificing Aer Lingus Belfast-London flights."
The Government - it also has a 25 per cent stake in the airline - declined to comment on calls for an egm except to say it was a matter for Aer Lingus.
A spokeswoman for Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey said: "The request for an egm is a matter for Aer Lingus to respond to. If a meeting is called, we'll reflect carefully, like any shareholder, on any motions circulated in advance."
Minister of State and Clare Fianna Fáil TD Tony Killeen last night called on the Government to use its influence to hold an egm to discuss the matter. "I am calling on the Government to use its shareholding to reverse the decision to end the Heathrow connection from Shannon airport at the upcoming egm."
Aer Lingus confirmed it had received a letter from Ryanair seeking to convene an egm. It is understood it has 21 days to respond.
Limerick-based Fianna Fáil TD Peter Power also issued a statement in support of such a meeting.
A spokeswoman for Minister for Defence and Limerick TD Willie O'Dea said he would refrain from commenting in advance of a meeting with Aer Lingus management, due to take place today.
Mr O'Leary said the Aer Lingus board had to call the egm within the next two to 20 days and the meeting must be held within the next eight weeks.
He said Ryanair, "as second largest shareholder in Aer Lingus, wants the airline to retain the profitable Shannon-Heathrow route, but we also want them to increase the profitability of the Heathrow service and that is in the interest of all Aer Lingus's shareholders".
On the decision to end the Heathrow service, Mr O'Leary said: "It is insane for any airline to walk away from a profitable routes with 330,000 passengers a year. Bloody madness."