Time to face reality about ‘free’ market

IT’S interesting to observe the behaviour and reactions of the various parties concerned with the ongoing Aer Lingus/Shannon debacle.

First off, we have Defence Minister Willie O’Dea — whose own Government couldn’t wait to sell off the State airline — working himself into a tizzy simply because many of those who voted for him are not pleased about the situation. Get real, Willie. Nobody buys the hollow posturing and blatant electioneering.

The business community — in particular the ‘usual suspects’ in Ibec — have also been vocal in their condemnation of Aer Lingus’s actions. They, too, were foremost in calling for the company to be opened up to the wonders of the ‘free’ market.