Varadkar expects Ryanair decision by month end

The Minister for Transport has said he expects a formal decision by the European Commission on Ryanair's bid to takeover Aer Lingus by the end of the month.

Yesterday, Ryanair said the Commission had told the airline that it intends to reject the bid.

The low cost airline has said it intends to appeal the decision, which it described as a "political" one.

Minister Leo Varadkar said the Government has made its views on the bid clear to the Commission.

"We don't believe that the proposed Ryanair takeover of Aer Lingus is in the country's interest," he said.

"It would damage competition and connectivity and cost us jobs. For that reason, we're not supporting it, or cooperating with it."