FG MEP seeks EU probe into Ryanair’s Aer Lingus bid

Fine Gael MEP Gay Mitchell is calling on the EU Competition Commission to investigate Ryanair's bid to take over Aer Lingus.

The no-frills airline has bought around 20% of shares in the national carrier since it was floated on the stock market earlier this month and is offering €2.80-a-share for the remainder.

The Government and trade unions representing Aer Lingus staff have already expressed concern about the move and the impact it could have on staff, passengers and the country in general.

Mr Mitchell is now calling for an EU investigation, saying a monopoly situation must be avoided.

"When we had an Aer Lingus monopoly, we paid for travel through the nose," he said today. "I don't anticipate that a Ryanair monopoly would be any better.