Takeover Panel to respond to Ryanair challenge on Monday

The Takeover Panel is to respond on Monday to a High Court challenge by the Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary to its ban on his head-to-head television debate with Dermot Mannion of Aer Lingus.

The debate, which had been planned for this week, was to focus on Ryanair's attempted takeover of Aer Lingus.

Mr O'Leary also wants to overturn the panel's directions preventing Ryanair from making announcements or publishing ads relating to its offer without clearance.

His lawyers argue the panel's directions are wrong under the law and are disproportionate and unreasonable.