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Airline boss meets worried locals Airline boss meets worried locals
(about 7 hours later)
The chief executive of Aer Lingus will meet pressure groups in Shannon later over the decision to move Heathrow flights to Belfast International. Aer Lingus's chief executive has met politicians and business groups in Shannon to discuss its move to Belfast International Airport.
Dermot Mannion announced last week that Belfast will become its main base and offer eight new destinations, including three daily flights to London.Dermot Mannion announced last week that Belfast will become its main base and offer eight new destinations, including three daily flights to London.
Locals in Shannon say investment and jobs are under threat as a result.Locals in Shannon say investment and jobs are under threat as a result.
On Thursday, the Irish government said it would not pressure the airline to change its decision.On Thursday, the Irish government said it would not pressure the airline to change its decision.
The political opposition to the Aer Lingus Belfast move is being led by the Irish defence minister, Willie O'Dea, who is from Limerick.
Mr O'Dea, who said he will not resign from the cabinet over the issue, said he had a "constructive" meeting with Mr Mannion.
He said Mr Mannion indicated a willingness to discuss the issue with the transport minister.
On Thursday, the Irish government said it would not pressure the airline to change its decision.
Mr Mannion also said on Sunday he did not expect the decision to be changed.Mr Mannion also said on Sunday he did not expect the decision to be changed.
On the same day, Catholic and Church of Ireland bishops in the Shannon area supported calls for Aer Lingus to reverse the decision.On the same day, Catholic and Church of Ireland bishops in the Shannon area supported calls for Aer Lingus to reverse the decision.
A joint statement was distributed at masses and services in the mid-west of the Irish Republic on Sunday. A joint statement was distributed at Masses and services in the mid-west of the Irish Republic on Sunday.
It described the plan to halt the service as "very damaging".It described the plan to halt the service as "very damaging".