Regional plans just so much hot air

THE ongoing controversy about the decision of Aer Lingus to withdraw from Shannon airport throws a very clear light on the nature of Irish capitalism, the fallacy that is government planning and the true meaning of privatisation.

In the debate which preceded the privatisation of Aer Lingus, Ibec, the Shannon Development Authority, Defence Minister Willie O’Dea and every Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TD were enthusiastic cheerleaders for the sell-off of the State airline.

Their hymn-sheet was monotonous. End the dead hand of State interference, inject fresh capital and fresh ideas, let the marketplace and commercial realities reign supreme.