Byrne likely to defend airline over deal

IRELAND’S Commissioner David Byrne will defend Ryanair’s deal with regional airports, including Charleroi, when it comes before the European Commission this morning.

The former Attorney General is expected to point up a number of legal weaknesses in the case being presented by Transport Commissioner Loyola de Palacio.

But an official admitted that Mr Byrne will find himself in a minority with the support possibly of just the British Commissioners.