Sir, - I note with interest your Editorial of September 19th suggesting State aid to Aer Lingus once again - this time as a response to the crisis caused by the tragic events in the US. I understand this loss-making enterprise is soon to be sold, and as one who has suffered significantly from the industrial stoppages that plague this company, I cannot understand why the taxes of citizens should be used to prop up this national disgrace.
Any strategic national interests connected with Ireland's air connections to the rest of the world can be met by the highly successful private sector within this industry. If the Government wishes to help in a reasonable and fair manner, it may wish to reconsider its travel taxation policies and its restrictive barriers (particularly the indefensible Shannon stopover rules). - Yours, etc.,
Patrick O'Connor, London €17.