Noonan: IAG takeover proposal for Aer Lingus 'isn't off the table'
Finance Minister Michael Noonan has said that a takeover deal for Aer Lingus "certainly isn't off the table".
Speaking to Bloomberg in London, Minister Noonan says those evaluating whether or not to sell the airline to IAG will make their decision on "commercial grounds" and not political.
It comes after the Transport Minister said the Government could not accept the offer for its stake as it stands - and asked for more guarantees over the future of the Heathrow landing slots.
However, Minister Noonan said that discussions will continue.
"I'll put it to you this way - a deal certainly isn't off the table," he said.
"Thos participating will look at it on commercial grounds, not political grounds.
Asked if he thought IAG would return with a better off, he said: "We'll see.
"Certainly, it's very amicable, and discussions are continuing."
