Madam, - The news that the Government is to proceed with the sale of Aer Lingus is a sad and pointless end to a State-owned company that has served the country well since its foundation in 1936. It is very unclear why they have chosen this path as there is no demand for it from the voters, the employees or the unions and there is no commercial reason for it. It seems that the "wag the dog" syndrome that seems to affect Fianna Fáil is taking place and that the PDs' economic policies are in complete control of the Government of which they are but a small part.
The reason that is given for the sale is that Aer Lingus needs financing to expand its fleet. This may be true but as has been pointed out before, the EU does not have any objection to member states making investments in commercially viable operations such as Aer Lingus. What it does not allow is subventions to prop up uncompetitive, loss-making companies.
As a private company its only responsibility will be providing "shareholder value". It will have no other reason to exist and if the best way that "value" can be provided is by selling out to a larger airline and becoming a feeder for its long-haul services, then that is what will happen.
Likewise if more money can be obtained by asset-stripping the company through property sell-offs and the sale (after a polite delay) of the Heathrow slots, then that is what will occur.
The amount of money generated by the sale is very small when compared to the Exchequer surpluses of recent times and the State has absolutely no need for it.
The costs of funding the pension deficit and the ever-present consultants who will advise on the sale will probably take up most of it in any case.
If anyone is unsure as to the outcome of this debacle then they should only take a look at the last time a major national asset was sold off by the Government. And didn't that work out well for everybody? - Yours, etc,
DIARMAID MacAONGHUSA, Shankill, Co Dublin.