Sir, - It is heartening to read some sensible writing on the selling off of Aer Lingus. Fintan O'Toole (Opinion, October 24th) rightly points out that we are an island community with no way out by road or rail. Aer Lingus has served this nation very well. It has incredibly committed staff, who have reached the wall, as it were; they have been taken advantage of. Privatisation is not the answer to the industrial problems at Aer Lingus. We need an airline which will service the public and not just on the profitable routes. Bravo, Mr O'Toole, for speaking some sense on this vital issue of public interest. - Yours, etc.,
Kathleen Bermingham, Seabury Drive, Malahide, Co Dublin.