O'Leary to use buying power with Boeing to negotiate Government deal

AN offer by Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary to use his influence with Boeing to get a discount on a new Government jet can not be taken up by the Cabinet, officials have said.

Tendering regulations mean strict procedures apply to high-cost purchases and any negotiations between the Government and a supplier either directly or through an intermediary would be improper.

However, a spokesman said if Mr O'Leary wished to approach Boeing and suggest they submit a discounted tender, he would be entitled to do so and if that tender was the lowest and met all the technical and other specifications, it could be accepted.