Madam, - I wish to take issue with two statements in an article by John McManus about the restructuring of Aer Rianta (Business This Week, February 6th).
Mr McManus writes that I have made no secret of my opposition to the proposed break-up of Aer Rianta. This is not the case. Up to the time of the Government decision last July to restructure Aer Rianta, I and the rest of the board had a responsibility to draw attention to some of the implications for the group, as we saw them, arising from the various proposals being debated at that time.
Our purpose was determined solely by issues of corporate governance and not, as is inferred, to resist Government policy. Since the Government announced its decision on July 10th last year, I and the rest of the board have worked diligently to assist in implementing that policy.
Mr McManus also states that some of the company law ramifications of restructuring Aer Rianta came to light only as lawyers acting for the Minister for Transport and for myself started to examine the relevant legislation.
I wish to point out that no lawyers have been instructed on my personal behalf with regard to this issue. The board of Aer Rianta has, however, instructed the company's lawyers and corporate finance consultants to advise the board on any company law issues that arise from the restructuring and to assist the Department of Transport's own advisers in whatever way possible. - Yours, etc.,
NOEL HANLON, Chairman, Aer Rianta, Dublin Airport.