Transport Minister opposes Ryanair takeover of Aer Lingus

The Minister for Transport has issued a statement strongly opposing the proposed takeover of Aer Lingus by Ryanair.

Martin Cullen says it's not in the interests of the Irish public to become overly dependent on one airline

It was a strongly worded statement from the Transport Minister setting out why Ryanair should not get its hands on Aer Llingus.

Martin Cullen said the Government's and Ireland's strategic objectives would not be well served, and it raises fundamental questions in relation to competition and regulation issues.

He said the government kept a 28 per cent stake in Aer Lingus precisely to block a hostile takeover bid, and as this prevents the company from being de-listed on the stock exchange, Ryanair's move is hard to comprehend.

The Minister claimed it's a defensive move by Ryanair to guard against the threat of a stronger well-resourced Aer Lingus and Ryanair is trying to recreate an aviation monopoly.