Madam, - I think Ryanair is great. Do I use it? Only sometimes - not if I can fly with Aer Lingus for an extra €20. But Ryanair was the only airline I used when I was developing a business and had to travel abroad for business.
I remember feeling that if Ryanair had not existed I just would not have been able to travel. Now I can pick and choose destinations and airlines at will. Indeed, on a recent trip I had the choice of Aer Lingus, Air Wales, Monarch, Easyjet, Flybe, Go and more - and I could maximise the choices by picking any number of connecting destinations to suit.
The truth is that Ryanair has been a huge contributor to the success of this country in allowing Irish entrepreneurs to get out of the country to do business and letting tourists in. Another truth is that begrudgery is alive and kicking, as shown by the constant attacks on the airline and on Michael O'Leary - latest of these being the column by Newton Emerson in your edition of February 12th. Madam editor, I don't pay €1.50 for stuff like that.
Begrudgers should remember they have a choice (which Ryanair played a huge part in bringing to you); then they should then shut up and use it.- Yours, etc.,
PAUL O'RIAIN, Church Place, Dublin 3.