'Gombeen politics at its worst': CityJet boss lambasts Government's response to IAG bid

The chairman of CityJet has said the Government's

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rejection of IAG's current offer for Aer Lingus is "gombeen politics at its worst".

The chairman of CityJet has said the Government's

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Transport Minister Paschal Donohue yesterday said the bid as it stands did not serve the State's interests - and said it was now up to IAG to extend its five-year guarantee on the Heathrow landing slots.

In a statement, he said: "The information and commitments that have been set out to date do not at present provide a basis on which the Government could give an irrevocable commitment to accept an offer to dispose of its shares, should one be made by IAG.

"In line with stated policy, the Government remains open to considering any improved proposal which IAG may bring to the steering group."

A group of Labour members opposed to the proposed bid will discuss tabling a motion at the party's conference calling on the coalition to rule out selling the airline.

Chairman of Dublin-headquartered CityJet Pat Byrne said the Government's handling of the proposed takeover had been "reckless".

"Here we go again, mixing business with politics," he said.

"It's pretty shocking really; it's gombeen politics at its worst. Interesting to see Joe Costelloe trotted out by Labour last night on RTE talking about the fact the €1.4bn (takeover offer) barely approximates to the value of the slots at Heathrow - this is the kind of rubbish and nonsense the self-styled experts are coming out with."