Ahern apologises over Aer Lingus remarks

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has apologised to former Aer Lingus chief executive Willie Walsh for remarks he made in the Dáil last week.

Mr Ahern made his comments last week when referring to the proposed management buy-out of the airline by Mr Walsh and his management colleagues. Yesterday, he said: "As I stated to the media last week, using the words 'steal the assets' and 'shaft the staff' were inappropriate. I withdraw them from the record of the House."

Earlier, Mr Ahern said he had not been in the House since last Wednesday "and there has been some controversy" regarding his reply to a question.

"Since I comply with all standing orders and have been doing so for the past 29 years, I will do so now." Mr Ahern said he had always felt strongly that the perception that the then management of Aer Lingus was proposing to organise the purchase of the company from the State was "unwise and divisive".

He added: "It was that perception's impact to which I referred in my comments last week. At the same time as I did so, I emphasised, as I have done on several occasions, the quality and achievement of the then management team.

"The comments gave the impression that I was impugning the integrity and motivation of the former management. While I did not refer to anyone by name, I accept that the clear implication was a reference to Willie Walsh and his two colleagues.

"Comments made in the context of robust political exchange in this chamber can sometimes have unintended effects. I regret any inference that might be drawn from them regarding the position and contribution to Aer Lingus of the former management team, which was very significant.

"I have written to Willie Walsh personally conveying my regrets."