EC asked to stop Aer Lingus takeover

THE Government has asked the European Commission to prevent Ryanair taking over Aer Lingus but has admitted that although they had considered the possibility of such a takeover, they were taken by surprise when it happened.

Transport Minister Martin Cullen said the Government was committed to having two independent airlines in Ireland and they would make their case forcefully in Brussels next week.

Given the size of the two airlines, any takeover of Aer Lingus by Ryanair can only proceed if the European Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes agrees that it conforms to EU competition rules.