Sir, - I was part of a large party which recently travelled to Italy for my sister's wedding. What should have been a joyous event was ruined when we found we were stranded because of the Aer Lingus strike.
My sister has been terribly upset by the affair and has been unable to enjoy her honeymoon. The memory of her wedding has been blighted by the turmoil brought about by Aer Lingus's selfish action.
My partner and I were forced to spend over €700 euro and 17 hours in our efforts to get home. My uncle, who was taken sick while in Italy, spent over 22 hours travelling with his wife and young family. My 89-year-old grand-aunt wasted a similar amount of time trying to get home, and she still has not recovered from the ordeal. This is not to mention the financial and emotional hardship experienced by the many other friends and family who came to celebrate with us but found themselves stuck in a small town in a foreign country.
None of us are wealthy and none of us budgeted for this expense, but all of us will be feeling an added financial pinch over the next several months.
I am outraged by the heartless nature with which Aer Lingus has treated its customers. I will be advising everyone I meet to "make alternative arrangements" - as was so callously advised in Aer Lingus's communications with the wedding party. - Yours, etc.,
MARK CARLETON,
Clarendon Hall,
Aungier Street,
Dublin 2.