Aer Lingus takeover talks ‘will take weeks’

The Government have said it will be at least several weeks before it makes any decision about what its position will be on a proposed bid by IAG to takeover Aer Lingus.

Amid growing opposition to any sell-off of the state’s 25% shareholding in the airline, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said key issues being considered included connectivity and competition.

While the Government itself alone cannot veto any takeover by the British Airways company, it will now use consultants and an inter-department group to evaluate the bid.