Ryanair calls for Aer Lingus board to withdraw

Ryanair today called on the balance of the Aer Lingus Board to recuse themselves on the grounds that they were all appointed by the Minister for Transport.

In a Stock Exchange statement issued by Aer Lingus this afternoon, two Directors Mr. Francis Hackett and Mr. Michael Johns have confirmed that they are not participating in the Board’s consideration of the Offer and related matters because it would not be in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders as a whole as they were appointed by the Minister for Transport.

"As this is the case, the balance of the Aer Lingus Board should follow suit," read the Ryanair statement.

"The Minister for Transport has publicly stated his and the Governments opposition to the Ryanair bid. It is therefore not appropriate for his appointees to decide what is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders, as they are also conflicted and therefore should recuse themselves."