State’s need for funds ‘could override other issues’ on sale

THE Government’s need to raise funds has the potential to override other issues when it considers whether to sell its stake in Aer Lingus to Ryanair.

NCB stockbrokers also said Ryanair will likely increase its offer for Aer Lingus to “a more |tempting” level of between €2 and €2.50.

“Facing intense financial pressures, the Irish Government’s position on the sale of state assets is shifting fast, and the need to raise funds to restructure public finances has the potential to override other concerns like upsetting the trade union apple-cart or Ryanair’s proposed virtual monopoly at Dublin Airport,” said NCB analyst Neil Glynn.