Essential air links

WHETHER or not the intervention of the Aer Lingus board and its chairman, Colm Barrington, in the debate around the sale of the Government’s share in the airline proves decisive only time can tell.

Mr Barrington and the board have said there is a “compelling commercial logic” for the carrier to become part of International Consolidated Airlines’ Group (IAG), who have offered €1.36bn for the Government’s 25.1% shareholding.

The reluctance to sell the shares seems politically motivated, but there are other issues too.

IAG have been clear that there would be some jobs losses but have countered by saying jobs would also be created.

The group has also made commitments stretching over five years on retaining the coveted Heathrow slots.

That it is was less enthusiastic about making commitments on regional connectivity must be a cause for concern because these links, for Shannon, Kerry and Cork, are vital to the airports’ hinterlands.

Some sort of commitment on keeping these links seems essential if a deal is to go ahead.