Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has come under fire from a Clare TD angered by his comments at Shannon Airport.
Deputy Martin said growth at the MidWest airport has come at the expense of Cork, and adds no value to the country.
It was during a debate on falling passenger numbers on Cork Airport that Micheál Martin described policies at Shannon Airport as being like a "race to the bottom."
While the Airport has recorded strong passenger growth since it became independent in 2013, Cork has faltered as it remains under the control of the DAA.
Deputy Martin believes the situation is unfair on Cork.
Micheál Martin is one of a number of Cork TDs, across all parties, who have expressed concerns but the tone of his comments have led to a strong attack from one Clare Fine Gael TD.
Clarecastle Deputy Joe Carey says the party leader has acted in a parochial and petty manner.
