Thanks very much for all the responses (and do, please, keep them coming); it's very pleasing to know that there's such a depth of feeling on this issue.
We'll push as hard as we can; this is something we can't afford to let slip by. The potential for Ireland to gain from aviation is immense; what really saddens me is that we should be having to say this in 2005; you would think that a modern, developed economy like ours would have recognised this by now; why does it have to be like extracting teeth, to get things moving.
Please note that I'll be away from this pm to the 21st, but I hope to have access to Internet while I'm away.
We're always glad to have positive contributions and thanks once again to all who have responded.