Sir, - I am sure many readers will have noted the regret expressed by Government Ministers at their inability to provide financial assistance to Aer Lingus because of EU regulations. I also see from your columns that Aer Lingus is now putting up its important collection of Irish paintings for auction, which would be a sad loss to Ireland if they were to be bought by overseas collectors.
If the Government is certain that Aer Lingus now has a viable business plan, why can they not make a pre-emptive bid, of say £30 million, to ensure that these paintings remain in Ireland.
It is surely unlikely that the EU would try to restrain the Government from acting to retain Irish art in the country. - Yours, etc.,
Ian McAuley, Shankill, Co Dublin.