Ryanair has had a tumultuous time since its flotation 16 months ago, particularly in the shape of the acrimonious industrial action involving baggage handlers. And there was some recognition of Michael O'Leary's role during that dispute when he was introduced at this week's a.g.m. by company chairman, David Bonderman, as "chief baggage handler and chief executive in his spare time". Losses in the popularity stakes were also recognised with Mr O'Leary admitting concern about the company's image and the lost perception of it as "the small, struggling David" pitted against the State-owned "Goliath" airline. Success does indeed brings its own difficulties. Mr O'Leary said the perception of the company now was one of "big, rich bastards being run by big, rich bastards".