The Taoiseach's departure for London yesterday afternoon was delayed for 45 minutes because the Government jet developed a fault. It was the latest in series of publicised breakdowns which were instrumental in the Government's decision last month to replace the Gulfstream IV plane.
Department of Defence spokesman said the aircraft's engines failed to start automatically at Dublin Airport. This necessitated a manual start-up, which was permissible under the rules governing use of the aircraft, he said. "We shouldn't have to do it but we can do it," he said.
Mr Ahern and his officials remained on board the aircraft while the problem was assessed. The Department of Defence spokesman said the particular problem had never arisen before.
The fault had not emerged when the aircraft was taken from Baldonnell aerodrome to Dublin Airport earlier yesterday, he said.
The smaller Beechcraft aircraft was on stand-by at the time, in case the Gulfstream could not be used.
In the event, the aircraft left for London at 3.05 p.m. It was scheduled to leave at 2.20 p.m.
The latest fault emerged two days after the Government issued a tender to replace both the Gulfstream and the Beechcraft.
The Government stated in advertisements sent to the EU Journal that it wanted to acquire one 45-seater aircraft, in place of the 14-seater Gulfstream, and a smaller seven-seater aircraft to replace the five-seater Beechcraft.
The advertisements, which set a deadline for May 30th for bids, stated that Government was interested in purchasing new or pre-used aircraft. If purchased new, the two aircraft could cost up to €70 million.
The two tenders state that the Government wants the aircraft to be in service by October 1st.
The tender for the larger aircraft says the layout must include a separate forward compartment with eight seats. It states that the aircraft should have the capacity to carry 70 passengers if required.
Other requirements include an entertainment centre - including CD, DVD, video and radio facilities with high speed Internet and television - a refreshment centre and facilities for three satellite phones.
The tender for the smaller aircraft says it should include an air ambulance option, capable of taking a stretcher unit with oxygen. Entertainment and refreshment facilities are also required.
Before yesterday's fault, the aircraft broke down before a trip by Mr Ahern to Prague and as he prepared to return home from an earlier visit to Mexico.
It also broke down last year when the Minister for Communications, Mr Ahern, was preparing to go to Brussels . In addition, it broke down in Washington in 2001, resulting in the Taoiseach missing a scheduled meeting in New York with the UN Secretary General, Mr Kofi Annan.
