Aer Lingus intervention ruled out

Aer Lingus pilots are striking for two days

An Irish minister has ruled out intervention in Aer Lingus' decision to end its Shannon-Heathrow service.

The decision to transfer the Heathrow route to Belfast International has proved controversial, with fears of job losses at Shannon.

Aer Lingus pilots are to strike over plans to pay staff at its Belfast hub less than in the Republic of Ireland.

Eamon O Cuiv said he was dismayed at Aer Lingus' move, but "interfering with their affairs is no solution".

"My precise position on the Shannon question is as articulated by Noel Dempsey at the beginning of last week and that is we are not going to interfere with the decisions of Aer Lingus," the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs told RTE radio.

"Other than that we have to try now to deal with a difficult decision at Shannon and look at other ways of resolving the problem."

Aer Lingus is seeking to recruit up to 30 pilots for its Belfast International Airport operation, as part of a £100m investment.

The move has sparked protests in the Irish Republic, with fears of job losses at Shannon.

More than 50% of Aer Lingus is owned by Ryanair, the Irish State and the unions.

Ryanair, which owns a 28% stake in Aer Lingus, has promised three additional flights from Shannon to various London airports if Aer Lingus closes the Heathrow route.

Aer Lingus is to hire planes from Ryanair to provide cover for a 48-hour strike planned by pilots next week.

The airline confirmed it had leased two aircraft and will pay full commercial rates for the planes. It is understood Ryanair will also provide the crew.