Ryanair ‘taking the lead’ on sale of Aer Lingus

Political controversy surrounding the proposed €1.34bn bid for Aer Lingus by Willie Walsh’s International Airlines Group has heated up after Fianna Fáil questioned whether the Coalition is allowing Ryanair to take the lead on the sale of Aer Lingus.

Fianna Fáil referred to remarks attributed to Tánaiste Joan Burton this week where she was reported to have said that how Michael O’Leary’s airline approaches the matter would be key to any decision the Government may take.

Ryanair owns almost 30% of Aer Lingus and it has been reported that the Cabinet will decide on any takeover only when Mr O’Leary’s airline makes its position clear.