Ryanair drops court challenge

RYANAIR’S High Court challenge over an alleged “gagging” order on a TV debate about the buyout of Aer Lingus was withdrawn yesterday after the Government’s rejection of its takeover offer.

Ryanair had brought the case over a decision by the Irish Takeover Panel (ITP), that it could not take part in an RTÉ Primetime debate as it would be in breach of statutory rules governing takeover bids.

The full case began on Thursday and was due to resume yesterday when Ryanair told Mr Justice O’Neill it would not be proceeding in light of yesterday’s rejection of the €748m takeover offer.

Mr Ross said however that Ryanair would be pursuing, on a future date, its claim for damages over what it claims was its unfair treatment during the process by the ITP.

That matter was adjourned to next Tuesday.