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05/01/2007
Minister attacks airlines in climate change row
Environment Minister Ian Pearson has triggered a row with the boss of budget airline Ryanair after criticising airlines for failing to tackle the problem of climate change.
In an interview with 'The Guardian', Mr Pearson attacked airlines' efforts to tackle carbon emissions and singled out British Airways, Lufthansa and several US airlines for criticism.
However, it was Ryanair which came in for the most criticism, with Mr Pearson declaring: "When it comes to climate change, Ryanair are not just the unacceptable face of capitalism, they are the irresponsible face of capitalism."
The Minister's comments were prompted by Ryanair's opposition to a carbon-trading scheme proposed by the European Union. The scheme would see airlines paying for exceeding their current level of emissions and could lead to higher ticket prices.
Ryanair had argued that the scheme would discriminate against low-cost airlines. However, budget airline Easyjet is understood to support the scheme.
Several US airlines are also reportedly opposed to the scheme and there have been reports that some are considering legal action to overrule the EU scheme.
Ryanair's chief executive Michael O'Leary hit back at the criticism and branded Mr Pearson as "silly" and "an idiot". Mr O'Leary described Ryanair as the "greenest airline in Europe" and said that Mr Pearson "hasn't a clue" what he is talking about.
Mr O'Leary said that the government instead should be focusing its attention on power generation stations and transport, which were responsible for more emissions.
(KMcA)
In an interview with 'The Guardian', Mr Pearson attacked airlines' efforts to tackle carbon emissions and singled out British Airways, Lufthansa and several US airlines for criticism.
However, it was Ryanair which came in for the most criticism, with Mr Pearson declaring: "When it comes to climate change, Ryanair are not just the unacceptable face of capitalism, they are the irresponsible face of capitalism."
The Minister's comments were prompted by Ryanair's opposition to a carbon-trading scheme proposed by the European Union. The scheme would see airlines paying for exceeding their current level of emissions and could lead to higher ticket prices.
Ryanair had argued that the scheme would discriminate against low-cost airlines. However, budget airline Easyjet is understood to support the scheme.
Several US airlines are also reportedly opposed to the scheme and there have been reports that some are considering legal action to overrule the EU scheme.
Ryanair's chief executive Michael O'Leary hit back at the criticism and branded Mr Pearson as "silly" and "an idiot". Mr O'Leary described Ryanair as the "greenest airline in Europe" and said that Mr Pearson "hasn't a clue" what he is talking about.
Mr O'Leary said that the government instead should be focusing its attention on power generation stations and transport, which were responsible for more emissions.
(KMcA)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy start with patchy mainly light rain, but becoming brighter through the day as the rain turns more showery, the best of any sunnier spells in the south. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:A few bright spells at first and any showers gradually dying out. Low cloud and mist or drizzle over northern coastal parts will spread south to most areas overnight. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
