Selling the State's airports would be akin to selling its harbours and ports, the Fine Gael spokesman on tourism, sport and recreation, Mr Bernard Allen, said.

They were a vital national asset, he added. Dublin Airport made a £48 million profit in its operating year, and ownership of it would be like a licence to print money.

If Shannon and Cork airports were sold, it was likely the new owners would be driven by a desire for profit rather than an obligation to meet the needs of the region, said Mr Allen.

The Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Dr McDaid, said the priority should be at the lowest possible cost, consistent with safe commercial operations. "Accordingly Aer Rianta, the main provider of airport services in the State, has a critical role to play." He had made his views known to the Cabinet, but no final decision had been made on the issue.