Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport, Timmy Dooley, says a strike by Aer Lingus workers and staff at Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports would be very damaging for the lucrative St Patrick’s weekend tourism trade.

Deputy Dooley was reacting to the announcement today that SIPTU staff at the Dublin Airport Authority, the Shannon Airport Authority and Aer Lingus will stage a four-hour work stoppage on the Friday before St Patrick’s Day.

“The tourism industry in Ireland would be hit hard by a strike by airport staff at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports over St Patrick’s weekend; it cannot be allowed to happen under any circumstances.

“I am calling on Minister Leo Varadkar to make an exception to his rule of staying aloof from industrial disputes. This tactic has led to a number of disputes escalating and it cannot be allowed to happen here.

“Minister Varadkar must make it clear to unions and management at these companies that our international reputation is in play here. He needs to seek a swift and comprehensive compromise that will take strike action off the agenda for St Patrick’s festival.”