Sir, - The letter from the chief executive of Aer Rianta (November 11th) highlights the problems faced not just by Ryanair and Aer Lingus, but by Irish tourism in general.
For the chief executive of a Government-owned airport monopoly to state that "we are not introducing a new growth discount scheme at Dublin Airport simply because there is no need" is typical of all the worst attributes of a monopoly. Aer Rianta should realise that Ireland needs lower charges, lower fares, new routes and more passengers, more tourism and more jobs.
As a nation we should ask outselves the question: would Aer Rianta be taking this outdated, monopolistic attitude if it had some competition at Dublin Airport? Remember that, before Ryanair, Aer Lingus felt "no need to offer lower fares" and before Esat, Telecom felt no similar "need". -Yours, etc.,
Michael O'Leary,
Chief Executive,
Ryanair.
Dublin Airport.