IAG chief Willie Walsh says he will respond to the Government’s request for further guarantees about the future of Aer Lingus in ‘due course’.

It comes as Labour TDs prepare to table a motion at the partyÂ’s conference in Killarney this weekend, demanding a number of 'strict conditions' to be met before any takeover is approved.

Earlier this week, Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe said the 1-point-4 billion euro bid doesn't go far enough - with the future of Heathrow landing slots the main obstacle.

Willie Walsh says IAG will respond to the Government - and says Aer Lingus would have a brighter future as part of his group.