Cullen failed to see Ryanair on his radar

IT is fascinating to watch the posturing about Ryanair’s bid for Aer Lingus.

We need to remember that it was Transport Minister Martin Cullen who put Aer Lingus beyond political interference and into a situation where it can be subjected to normal market forces.

If the present situation comes as a surprise one can only assume remarkable naivety and a lack of commercial foresight on his part. It is a little late to panic at the consequences of his flotation decision.