Government: Aer Lingus position ‘has not changed’

Government sources have played down suggestions that the Coalition will reject a takeover bid by aviation giant IAG for Aer Lingus after shares in the airline fell amid reports.

The Irish Examiner can reveal that IAG chief executive Willie Walsh will attend talks between a Government review group and his officials about the proposed bid tomorrow in Dublin.

Senior sources last night denied a report the Government, which holds 25%, was preparing to reject IAG’s indicative offer. A spokesman for Paschal Donohoe, the transport minister, also said: “Our position has not changed.”