Belated aviation decision welcome

Take off, at last. Ministers have been rightly criticised for the extraordinary delays in striking a deal on the aviation package.

The welcome for this week's announcement mostly reflects relief that something has finally been agreed.

Now Martin Cullen, having steered the package through, must make sure that it is implemented speedily.

Much of the package represents a messy political compromise, but at least there is now something approaching clarity on some issues.