Aer Lingus sale plan generates considerable political heat

If Aer Lingus is sold to IAG, Ireland could end up owning a version of it again in future, if New Zealand’s experience is any guide, writes Kyran FitzGerald.

The Government has acted decisively in giving the green light to the sale of the State’s one quarter stake in Aer Lingus, but has it acted correctly?

Consent to a huge change, like this, does require more than a little political courage, given the high level of sentimental attachment to a company which is still considered the national airline by a large number of older Irish citizens (even if many actually fly with Ryanair, by a long stretch Ireland’s largest airline).