Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

This is a policy, not a personality issue, about maintaining a competitive aviation sector in Ireland with a strong Aer Lingus and a strong Ryanair. In the past when Ryanair was under pressure, Governments of all compositions vacated slots and, quite rightly, supported competition in the marketplace with all the benefits accruing to consumers and the economy as a result. Let us deal with this in a calm, professional and competent manner and allow Aer Lingus to get on with accessing new markets, doubling its long haul fleet, increasing its short haul fleet by 50% and attracting more passengers. I am sure Ryanair will continue with its strategy. Institutions that have invested in Ryanair have questioned how its interest in Aer Lingus fits the strategy of a low cost carrier. Let us wait and see how this develops. The notion that this is an inevitable done deal is totally untrue and at variance with the facts.

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