This is a job for SuperSeamus . . .
Joking apart, something needs to be done to ensure that the runway issue is dealt with satisfactorily. I am glad to read of plans to extend 10/28, which I believe should be a priority; there is certainly sufficient space to allow the runway to be extended to at least 10,000' within the current confines of the airport, particularly from the 10 end.
But if this can be done, wouldn't a shorter parallel runway (as a realignment of 11/29 do the trick - something about 8,000' or so?) The need for a parallel runway is clear, but the big problem is that if long haul flights are to be developed and particularly if a new terminal operator is to be introduced, a longer runway will be needed. From the viewpoint of the new operator, it will want to have a free hand, devoid of any bilateral (e.g. stopover) or physical (runway length) restrictions. It doesn't augur well that we seem to be imposing both, hence the need for the minister to get involved and order an extension of 10/28 as soon as practicable.